Once an animal has been diagnosed with allergic skin disease due to inhalant or environmental allergies, allergy vaccines (allergen specific immunotherapy) may be suggested as part of the management of the pet's condition. Although this is not a cure for the skin condition, it is part of the managem...

Medications commonly used for treating itchiness (pruritus) * Any medication (prescription or over-the-counter) should only be given if by the direction and supervision of a veterinarian! Do not give these to your pet unless recommended by your veterinarian. Prescription Medications Hydrox...

Bacterial infections (pyoderma, folliculitis, furunculosis) of the skin and hair follicles are very common problems in the dog. These lesions often represent an infection or “over colonization” of the skin by Staphylococcus sp.   Bacterial infections often manifest in a characteris...

Demodicosis is an inflammatory parasitic disease characterized by the presence of greater than normal numbers of demodex mites in the hair follicles and on the skin. The reason for this proliferation is poorly understood but a genetic defect in the T-cell portion of the immune system is suspected.&n...

Dermatophytosis (Microsporum canis, M. gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes) is a cutaneous (skin) infection with one of several keratinophilic species of fungi. Transmission is by direct contact or contact with infected hairs and scale in the environment. Infected hairs in the environment may...

Food allergy is a relatively uncommon problem in the dog and only accounts for approximately 3 to 15 percent of all allergies in dogs. Feline food allergy tends to be more common and has been reported to account for up to 40 percent of all allergy cases in cats. Food allergies can develop in animal...

This is an inflammatory condition affecting the sebaceous glands of the skin.    Clinical Findings Alopecia (hair loss) and scaling of the skin Bilaterally symmetrical, heavy adherent scale on the dorsum of the body including the head and the extremities (silver-white scale encases tu...

House dust mites are microscopic and ubiquitous. They feed on human and animal dander, skin scales, and hair. They are frequently found in beds, mattresses, carpets, sofas, and pet bedding. Mites flourish in the home environment because the temperature and humidity are optimal for their survival (50...

Malassezia pachydermatis is a saprophytic yeast that is commonly found on normal and abnormal skin.  It is often difficult to ascertain if yeast organisms found on comprised skin are a primary contributor (yeast hypersensitivity) to the clinical lesions present or if they are, merely, secondary...

Otitis Externa, a common clinical problem in dogs (less frequent in cats), is often a frustrating disease to cure or even control.   Primary and predisposing causes of Otitis Externa Parasites Allergy Contact irritant Keratinization disorders (epidermal maturation problems and Seba...

Pemphigus Foliaceus (PF) is a non-contagious disease that affects the skin of dogs, cats, horses, and people. PF is both a disease of the immune system and the skin. The problem begins when the animal’s body recognizes parts of its own skin as foreign. As a result of this abnormal immune respo...

Scabies (sarcoptic mange) is caused by the mite, Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis. Mites live in the superficial layers of the skin where they burrow, breed, and lay eggs. Once the adult female lays an egg, it takes 17 to 21 days for that egg to hatch and grow into an adult mite. Scabies mites do not su...

When medicated shampoo therapy is prescribed for a pet, the instructions must be followed closely if the pet is to receive the full benefit of the treatment. Most shampoos and topical rinses are to be used as an adjunct to other forms of therapy. Shampoos are also often recommended as a maintenance...

There are many clinical signs associated with Cushing’s syndrome (also called hyperadrenocorticism) in dogs. These signs usually come on very gradually and, because of this slow onset, these changes are often written off as part of the normal aging process. The following is a list of comm...

There are several different medications available to treat pituitary dependent Cushing's syndrome in animals. Each medication has its own benefits and risks. Here we present some of those available options. This data is presented in a manner that can be used to explain therapeutic options to th...

Compared with ordinary hand-held examination equipment, video otoscopy offers superior optics, greater magnification, and provides greater detail for evaluating the condition of the ear including the external canal, tympanum, and bullae. Otitis Media is a Surgical Disease Otitis Media is present i...

The health of a pet's hair coat can be affected by illness, stress, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and poor nutrition. These situations can result in slowed hair growth, a coat that appears dull, dry, or lusterless in appearance, and possibly hair loss. Hair loss (alopecia) can occur in dogs and cats...

Allergy is a common and frustrating problem in veterinary practice.  A wide variety of breeds suffer from allergic dermatitis and otitis.  The typical age of onset is between 2 and 6 years of age.  Pure breed dogs will often exhibit clinical signs at an earlier age.     &nb...