Skin Conditions

From Dr. Kathy – The skin has a limited number of ways to respond to an “insult” whether it is a food allergy, an environmental allergy, a bacterial infection, a fungal infection, skin parasites (mange, for example), an immune mediated disease, hormone imbalance, cancer, etc. That means that each individual skin disease can have a great, great, great variety of appearances: skin cancer can look like a food allergy can look like a fungal infection like ringworm, can look like an immune mediated disease, can look like mange, and so on. Most, most, most, most skin disorders CANNOT be diagnosed on appearance only. That is why we often need multiple diagnostic tests to determine an actual cause of skin lesions – physical exam, microscopic examination of debris, biopsy and even perhaps blood tests. Unfortunately, many owners attempt the use of home remedies which often complicates both the diagnosis and the treatment. There is no single treatment, especially home remedies, for all skin disorders.

If a GP is unable to resolve a skin condition, consultation with a veterinary dermatologist may be considered. In fact, a specialist, who may be able to get to the root of the problem more quickly, often ends up being less costly in the long run.

A dermatology specialist may be found by clicking on the menu here:

Home

You may also consider contacting a veterinary school who likely has a dermatologist.

Dr. Kathy

**The Vet Corner groups encourage members to establish a relationship with their local veterinarian, don’t wait until an emergency.**