If you’ve ever had an itch that you just couldn’t quite scratch, you know how maddening skin conditions can be. Unfortunately, there are a number of disorders that can cause our pets to experience this type of discomfort. Thankfully, there are veterinary treatments available that address not only your pet’s symptoms but also their underlying causes.
Trouble Signs
Even though pets can’t express themselves through words, it’s usually pretty clear when they are experiencing a skin disorder. Here are some of the signs to watch out for:
- Redness or irritated skin
- Hair loss
- Repeated scratching or rubbing of the face or ears
- Licking of the legs, feet, and/or body
- Excessive chewing or biting
- Scooting across the carpet
If your pet is displaying any of these symptoms, chances are a checkup is in order.
Pet Skin Conditions
Our veterinarians regularly treat a wide variety of pet skin disorders. Portland area pets are very active and will often come in with abrasions from hiking or running in the woods. We also see pets that are suffering from ear infections, ear mites, skin mites, and fleas.
Because of Portland’s extremely moist and temperate climate, mold spores are always present, making allergies a year-round problem for some pets. We also treat patients that are suffering from food allergies and skin conditions caused by endocrine disorders—such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and Cushing’s disease.
Veterinary Solutions
When a pet is experiencing a skin disorder, we have numerous veterinary diagnostic tools at our disposal. These range from fungal cultures, which are used to diagnose conditions like ringworm, to impression smears for identifying bacteria or yeast on the skin. We also perform skin scrapings, biopsies, and blood work when needed.
Once the underlying cause of your pet’s skin condition has been diagnosed, our veterinarians will work closely with you to determine the best course of treatment. If your pet is experiencing a minor skin disorder, our veterinarians will often recommend topical treatments to help him or her heal. These could include creams, sprays, or medicated pet shampoos. We also carry flea treatment products to help you eradicate these persistent parasites.
In some cases, oral pet medications will be prescribed. Pet nutritional counseling may also be helpful, depending on your pet’s diagnosis. We carry an array of hypoallergenic pet foods, as well as prescription diets tailored to meet the special needs of pet patients.
Veterinary acupuncture and holistic therapies are often used to provide relief to pets suffering from a variety of conditions, including allergies. We will do everything possible to ensure your pet’s comfort and good health.
If you would like to learn more about the pet skin conditions and diseases discussed on this page, please visit this pet medical library. Of course you are always welcome to contact us as well.