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Dermatology & Allergy

Complications of the skin and ears are among the most common reasons for veterinary office visits. Dermatologic disorders can leave your pet feeling uncomfortable and distressed. This can cause you, as an owner, to feel concerned for your pet’s health and comfort.   Scratching, licking,  and discomfort are associated with most common dermatological issues. Other symptoms might include hair loss, scaling, crusting, red skin or skin eruptions.   Animals are susceptible to a variety of skin disorders, including allergies; ectoparasites; bacterial and fungal infections; hereditary and congenital diseases;  autoimmune skin diseases; endocrine (hormonal) disorders; and skin cancer. Dermatologists also manage patients with chronic or severe ear infections, and disease of the footpads, nasal planum (leathery part of the nose) and nails.

The complicated and complex nature of these diseases and allergies will sometimes require specialized knowledge and experience. As a specialty referral service, Gulf Coast Veterinary Dermatology & Allergy is available and committed to working with your family veterinarian in an integrated team approach. This partnership allows us to better serve you and your pet during this time of need. When a skin or ear disorder fails to respond to traditional treatment, we are available to provide the latest technology in the diagnosis and management of your pet’s health. Our board-certified, highly trained and experienced dermatologists perform many specialized diagnostic procedures and including:

  • Examination and cleansing of the distal ear canal and middle ear using a Fiber-Optic Otoscope
    • CT scans of the skull to evaluate the middle ear evaluating for possible infection, or tumors causing recurrent infections.
    • Myringotomy, or incision in the tympanic membrane to sample for infection in the middle ear and remove pus and debris
  • Treatment of patients with progressive secretory otitis media and potentially restoring hearing by removing secretions from the middle ear guided by the fiber-optic otoscope.  This condition is a common cause of hearing loss in King Charles Cavalier Spaniels.
  • Biopsy of the skin and interpretation of histopathology to determine the cause of your pets skin condition.
  • Intradermal skin testing for environmental allergies
  • Sublingual and injectable immunotherapy for treatment of allergic dermatitis
  • Diagnosis of food allergies through elimination diet trials
  • Laser surgery and laser-assisted biopsies for removal of cutaneous masses
  • Culture and sensitivity of the skin to isolate bacteria and determine the most appropriate treatment.
  • Management of patients with resistant skin and ear infections
  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for patients with deep soft tissue infections

Our multi-disciplinary approach and close cooperation among our fellow specialists allows us to offer the best care available to the patients entrusted to us. With the support of a trained and dedicated staff, the dermatology service is committed to using science, technology, and compassion to provide exceptional care for pets and their families.

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