Dermatology

Here are some steps you can take to help minimize the impact of allergens on your pet. Pollen To minimize your pet’s exposure to pollens and help them keep their dog allergies in check, keep your grass cut short. Keep your pet indoors dawn and dusk when the pollen count is high and while mowing the grass. Use the air conditioner as much as possible. Rinse or wipe off your dog with water when…

Approximately 15% of allergic dogs and cats develop allergies to foods. Almost always, the allergy is to the protein in the diet. An animal can develop an allergy to any protein. It is not the amount, but the type of protein that is important. Dogs commonly develop allergies to beef, chicken, corn, dairy, eggs, soy, and wheat, while cats often develop allergies to fish, dairy, and beef. Dyes, preservatives, and chemicals are rarely responsible…

Feline hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) is a rare condition in cats. Spontaneous HAC is associated with increased production of endogenous steroid hormone (cortisol) by the adrenal cortex. 75-80% of cases are pituitary dependent (functional pituitary adenoma) and 25% are caused by an adrenal tumor (carcinoma or microadenoma). Feline HAC may also be iatrogenic from exogenous use of steroids such as prednisolone. Signs Clinical signs may include polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia, depression, lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, muscle weakness,…

“Atypical” mycobacteria, also called “opportunistic” or “nontuberculous” mycobacteria, are a subset of bacteria belonging to the genus Mycobacteria. These organisms are free living, located throughout the world and are found in damp soil and water. Skin infections in dogs and cats are rare and typically occur when a bite wound or scratch gets contaminated with soil or water containing these bacteria. The disease is more common in cats then dogs and typically starts as a…

Eosinophilic plaques, granulomas, and ulcers are lesion types that make up the entity of Feline Eosinophilic Granuloma complex. This group of inflammatory lesions, usually associated with an underlying hypersensitivity to fleas (flea allergy), food components (food allergy), or environmental allergens (feline atopic dermatitis) is common in cats. Eosinophilic plaques appear as one or few red, raised, eroded plaques. The lesion usually itches and the cat is often observed licking the area excessively. Plaques may occur…