Animal Dermatology & Pet Skin Care At Our Rocklin, CA Animal Hospital

Scratching, whining, skin sores, excessive hair loss, bad smell—pet skin problems can be both alarming and frustrating to a concerned pet owner. Addressing such problems can take time and dedication to diagnose accurately and treat successfully. Your veterinarians at Rocklin Road Animal Hospital are experienced in diagnosing and treating a variety of skin issues in dogs and cats, and we will work with you to find the most comfortable and successful solution.

The skin and coat provide a protective barrier for pets, defending against infection, sunlight, pollution, caustic substances, and dehydration. Proper function of this protective barrier depends upon the good health and optimum function of all your pet’s organs. We may find a “skin condition” is easily addressed with a month or two of treatment or a change in lifestyle. However, some conditions are merely symptoms of a greater systemic issue, and treatment includes an extensive care plan.

Accurate diagnosis of skin diseases and conditions is our first priority. This process begins with a thorough physical examination to rule out any systemic issues or diseases and to assess the overall health and condition of your pet. Diagnostic testing will likely be required and may include:

• Blood work
• Allergy testing
• Skin scrapings
• Fungal cultures
• Skin biopsies and cytologies

Should we find a combination of problems acting together, such as allergies and infection, we will discuss the various treatment options and make recommendations for a comprehensive skin care plan. Veterinary treatments may include steroids, antibiotics, immune modulating medications, antihistamines, topical drugs, and antifungal drugs. Additionally, we may recommend or prescribe shampoos and rinses, dietary supplementation or a special diet, or lifestyle modification to support our treatment goals.

We never want your pets to suffer—if you suspect your pet has a skin problem, contact our office to schedule an immediate appointment.

For an expert discussion about skin problems, read the article Skin Problems in Pets from the veterinary professionals at AAHA.

Read these helpful and informative articles about Hot Spots in Dogs and Itchy Skin in Cats from the Pet Health Center of WebMD.