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NorthStar VETS Video
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Dermatology
Dogs and cats, like humans, commonly experience skin disorders. While people tend to have a runny nose and itchy eyes, pets suffer from itchy skin and digestive problems. Although there are hundreds of different skin disorders recognized in pets, because the signs often appear the same, the cause can be hard to determine. The keys to determining the cause of a pet's allergies are appropriate testing and in-depth expertise in diagnosing dermatologic conditions.
At NorthStar VETS, our dermatology department is equipped to provide a variety of diagnostic tests that can determine the cause of your pet's allergies. Our veterinarian has been trained to recognize, diagnose, and treat skin diseases, including:
Allergies - the most common cause of skin problems in pets, it is usually food-related or environmental
Skin and subcutaneous infection - commonly caused by bacteria and fungi
Parasitic infestations - due to fleas, ticks, and other parasites
Immune-mediated disease - occurs when the body's own immune system attacks the healthy skin
Ear infection - often breed-related (dogs with flopped ears are more susceptible) but can be caused by allergies
Skin abnormalities - including bumps, rashes, and hard tumor-like lumps
Our comprehensive diagnostic tools include skin scraping for allergy testing, cytology, bacterial and/or fungal cultures, and blood work. Further, extensive allergy testing and immunotherapy including skin biopsies and ear flushing are just some of the other available options to aid in diagnosis.
Once our NorthStar VETS dermatology team has identified the cause of your pet's chronic or serious skin disorder, we will work with you and your primary care veterinarian to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your pet. This might be as simple as allergy shots or a dietary change, or as complex as laser surgery or cryotherapy. With proper diagnosis and suitable treatment, your pet can go back to living their life itch-free.
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