Treating Pet Skin Conditions
There are a variety of chronic and inflammatory skin conditions that can affect dogs and cats, but some are more common than others.
These include allergies, bacterial infections, fungal infections, chronic scratching, skin parasites, and hair loss.
Our Jackson veterinarians can differentiate between the various conditions associated with cat and dog dermatological conditions.
This allows for diagnosis and treatment quickly to help your pet get healthy and feel better.
What to Expect at Your Pet’s Appointment
Our experienced veterinarians will work with you to determine the cause of your pet's discomfort and will recommend treatment based on their needs.
Veterinary Examination & Diagnosis
At the beginning of the appointment, our veterinarian will review your pet's history to aid in the diagnosis of their condition. Next, they will use the diagnostic tools at our in-house laboratory to establish the source of your pet’s skin condition.
Dermatology Treatment Plan
Once your pet has been diagnosed with a skin condition, we will develop a plan to treat it. Treatment may include prescription medication, shampoo/conditioner, an ear flush, allergy vaccines, or simple changes to your pet’s environment.
If issues persist after treatment, we will be sure to refer you to a dog or cat veterinary dermatologist in the Jackson area for specialized care.
Dermatology Signs & Symptoms
Here are some common signs and symptoms of a dermatology issue in your pet.
- Excessive scratching or licking
- Hair loss
- Flaky, dry skin
- Constant scooting or rubbing against surfaces
- Chewing or biting the skin
- Repeatedly rubbing faces or ears
- Refusal to allow you to touch certain areas of their body
If any of these signs persist for more than a few days, then you should contact our team about scheduling a dermatology appointment.
Common Pet Skin Conditions
There are many reasons why your pet may be exhibiting any of these dermatological symptoms. However, there are a few more common conditions that our veterinarian team generally sees like:
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Allergic Dermatitis
Dermatological reactions like itching, redness, and hair loss in addition to non-skin reactions like sneezing and runny eyes could be signs of an allergy.
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Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a skin disease caused by an allergic reaction to airborne substances like pollen or the ingestion of allergens. This can cause irritation in a certain spot or all over the pet’s body.
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Cushing's Disease
Cushing's disease occurs when the adrenal glands secrete excess cortisone. This disease can result in hair loss, as well as non-skin symptoms like lethargy and excessive thirst and urination.
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Ringworm
Despite the name, ringworm is actually caused by a fungus and may commonly appear in pets that frequent boarding and daycare-like facilities.