Dermatology

Is your companion’s constant scratching driving you both crazy?
Your pet’s external health is just as important as his or her internal wellbeing. Dermatological conditions can cause everything from itching and minor discomfort to severe pain. At Effingham Animal Hospital, we want to return your companion to total health – inside and out. Our professional dermatology services are designed to help us get to the bottom of various skin problems and develop the most effective treatment plan.

Getting to the Root of the Problem

Addressing a dermatological condition is very much like solving a puzzle. In many cases, it involves eliminating every possibility until we reach a definitive diagnosis. At Effingham Animal Hospital, we utilize a number of different methods to help us pinpoint the cause of external ailments. Whether it’s a blood test, a skin scraping or a biopsy, our in-house laboratory allows for timely and accurate results. That means we can work on getting your pet feeling better faster.
Some of the conditions we can provide assistance with include:
Allergies
Parasites
Infections
Dermatitis
Tumors
Skin Cancer
Hormonal Disorders
Autoimmune Diseases
Developing a Treatment Strategy

Once we understand the condition your pet is experiencing, we can begin working on a plan to eliminate those unpleasant symptoms. Treating skin problems can be as easy as making simple lifestyle changes, such as switching to a new food. Other, more severe conditions may require a long-term strategy that involves multiple treatment methods. We have a number of options at our disposal, including medication, supplements and if necessary, surgery. Your pet’s plan will be tailored specifically to meet his or her unique needs.

Recognizing the signs of a problem

Skin disorders can present themselves in a variety of ways. Some of the most common symptoms of dermatological problems include, but are not limited to:
Excessive scratching
Dry, flaky skin
Scabbing or bumps on the skin
Bald spots or increased shedding
Odor coming from the ears
Biting, licking or chewing at a certain area
If you’ve noticed any of these things, don’t let your loved one suffer another moment – give us a call today!