Dermatology

Your pet’s skin is a powerhouse organ, shielding everything underneath—muscles, bones, ligaments, and internal organs—much like the liver or kidneys. But just like us, dogs and cats can encounter various skin problems falling into three main categories: parasites, allergies, and infections.

Parasites

These tiny troublemakers come in various forms, from fleas and ticks to mites and ringworm. They can cause itching, irritation, and visible skin lesions, making life uncomfortable for our furry friends. Parasitic infestations often necessitate targeted treatments to eliminate the culprits and soothe your pet’s skin. Good news is parasitic skin conditions can be prevented with year-round parasite prevention.

Allergies

Pets, like people, can develop allergies to a variety of triggers, including certain foods, environmental elements like pollen or dust mites, or even materials like certain fabrics. Allergic reactions in pets often manifest as itching, redness, rashes, or inflamed skin, requiring careful identification of the allergen and sometimes lifestyle adjustments or specialized treatments to alleviate symptoms.

Infections

Bacterial or fungal infections can take hold on your pet’s skin, causing redness, scabs, or discharge. These infections might arise from wounds, scratches, or as a secondary complication to an existing skin issue. Proper diagnosis and targeted medications, such as antibiotics or antifungal treatments, are essential to combat these infections effectively.

Each category presents its unique challenges, and identifying the precise cause behind your pet’s skin problem is crucial to tailoring the most effective treatment plan. With a detailed understanding of these categories, our veterinarians can navigate through various diagnostic methods and treatments to restore your pet’s skin health and overall comfort.

Pet Dermatology, Tailored Care

Pinpointing the cause behind your furry friend’s skin issue demands a systematic approach. Here at Big Creek Animal Hospital, we employ an array of diagnostic tools to unravel the mystery. From skin scrapings, fungal and bacterial cultures, cytology, to biopsies and allergy testing, we leave no stone unturned in deciphering the root cause of your pet’s skin problem. Additionally, specialized blood tests may be suggested to check for conditions like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease.

Navigating Treatment

Once we’ve nailed down the diagnosis, treating skin conditions involves a tailored approach. Depending on the issue, treatment may involve oral, injectable, or topical medications, or even specially prescribed shampoos. However, some skin diseases may pose challenges as they can only be managed, not fully resolved. In such complex cases, ongoing treatments or more frequent check-ups might be necessary. For cases requiring advanced diagnostics or specialized care, we might collaborate with a veterinary dermatologist, ensuring your pet receives the best possible care. Rest assured, we’ll guide you through every step, aiming for your pet’s comfort and well-being.

Schedule An Appointment For Your Pet Today

Pet owners in the Cumming, Georgia, area trust Big Creek Animal Hospital for dermatology services. Contact us today to learn more and Make An Appointment for your pet.

What Our Clients Are Saying

We brought our boxer to Big Creek for years. He had numerous health issues when we adopted him and the vets there, especially Dr. Estes, provided the best, most compassionate care possible. I could not recommend enough.

S. L.