FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY ANIMAL SKIN DISEASE?
As soon as you start practicing as a veterinarian, you notice how common skin problems are. 40% of what you see in general veterinary practice is skin related problems. Being on the surface means that usually the problems are easily seen, unlike some internal problems, particularly endocrine. The skin problem may be the only symptom of a deeper, more serious internal problem. Much of what Duncan sees is secondary to allergies, with animals having hypersensitivities to most of the same things that people are allergic to – dust mites, the pollens of trees, weeds, and grasses, and some foods. To check for environmental hypersensitivities, Duncan does intradermal testing, similar to the scratch test that is done in people. Animals that react may then go on to have allergen specific immunotherapy - “allergy shots” or “allergy drops”.
The dermatology of animals is no easier than it is in people, and much of the art of dermatology is in managing conditions for which there is no “cure”. Most of the time, the animals can be helped to live healthy comfortable lives.
The dermatology of animals is no easier than it is in people, and much of the art of dermatology is in managing conditions for which there is no “cure”. Most of the time, the animals can be helped to live healthy comfortable lives.
WHY DOES MY PET NEED A VETERINARIAN WITH AN INTEREST IN DERMATOLOGY?
While your general practitioner veterinarian can handle many aspects of your pet's care, just as in human medicine, sometimes there is a need for the attention of someone who works only in that field. If your pet has a complicated or difficult problem, your pet may need the care of a veterinary dermatologist. You can be assured that a veterinarian who knows when to refer you and your pet for more specialized diagnostic work or treatment is one that is caring and committed to ensuring your pet receives the highest standard of medical care.
While in some cases, your veterinarian may be able to simply consult with Duncan about your pet's care, in most cases it will be necessary to actually refer you and your pet to Animal Dermatology NZ for further diagnostics and treatment.
While in some cases, your veterinarian may be able to simply consult with Duncan about your pet's care, in most cases it will be necessary to actually refer you and your pet to Animal Dermatology NZ for further diagnostics and treatment.
WILL MY REGULAR VETERINARIAN STILL BE INVOLVED?
Absolutely! Duncan will work together with your veterinarian as part of your pet's total veterinary health care team. Your general practitioner veterinarian will still oversee all other aspects of your pet's care, but with the added, specialized input of someone who sees only skin problems in animals. After each visit, your referring vet and you will both receive copies of the referral letter.
WHAT SPECIAL PROBLEMS DOES A VETERINARY DERMATOLOGIST TREAT?
Skin problems are some of the most common reasons owners bring their pet to the veterinarian. Most routine skin problems can be handled by your general practitioner veterinarian. Certain skin problems, however, can be difficult to diagnose and treat and the help of someone who deals only in dermatology may be required. These include skin problems associated with allergies, secondary or primary infections, endocrine (hormonal) diseases, diseases of the feet, footpads, or nails, and skin cancers. Recurrent ear infections are one of the most frustrating of all skin problems in companion animals. Duncan has a special interest in those.
While it is important to realize that your pet's skin problems, especially those that have been developing over a period of time, often aren't solvable overnight, most can be made much more manageable with the help of someone who deals only in dermatology.
Most of the allergic disease that occurs in dogs and cats affects the skin. These allergies include reactions to food items (food allergy), air borne and contact substances (atopic dermatitis), and fleas (flea allergy dermatitis). Allergies can be difficult to diagnose and treat and are the kinds of cases where involving a specialist early can not only help diagnose and resolve the problem earlier but also potentially save the pet owner money in the long run.
While it is important to realize that your pet's skin problems, especially those that have been developing over a period of time, often aren't solvable overnight, most can be made much more manageable with the help of someone who deals only in dermatology.
Most of the allergic disease that occurs in dogs and cats affects the skin. These allergies include reactions to food items (food allergy), air borne and contact substances (atopic dermatitis), and fleas (flea allergy dermatitis). Allergies can be difficult to diagnose and treat and are the kinds of cases where involving a specialist early can not only help diagnose and resolve the problem earlier but also potentially save the pet owner money in the long run.
CAN MY ANIMAL’S SKIN PROBLEM BY “CURED” BY A VISIT TO ANIMAL DERMATOLOGY NZ?
Yes, some animal dermatology problems can be “cured”. Fungal infections, including yeast overgrowth, bacterial infections including resistant bacterial infections and ectoparasites like Sarcoptes, Demodex and Fleas can “cured”. Fortunately these problems are the most common. Some endocrine problems like hypothyroidism can be treated so effectively that they are no longer an issue. On the other hand, some conditions like poor barrier function. Immune mediated disease, and cutaneous hypersensitivities like environmental atopy cannot be “cured”. However once we have a diagnosis, they can be managed very effectively.