Dermatology
Skin problems in pets cause a lot of concern among owners — and, of course, a lot of misery for the pets. If your favorite animal is experiencing discomfort or showing clear signs of skin abnormalities, you want to get that problem looked at and dealt with as early as possible to prevent possible complications. Here at Twin Peaks Veterinary Center in Tucson AZ, we know how to identify those distressing pet skin problems and get them under control so your pet can enjoy a happier everyday life.
Does Your Pet Have a Rash, Irritation or Other Skin Problem?
The skin is the largest organ on an animal’s body, and the one most directly exposed to the outside world. This means lots of opportunities for disease or injury to do damage. A rash, for instance, may be the result of contact with an external source of irritation, or it may be the manifestation of an internal issue such as a food allergy. (Reactions to specific food ingredients can cause redness, hives, and itching as well as respiratory or digestive problems.) Saliva from flea bites can cause intense itching. If your pet bites or licks at the itchy spot, he may damage the skin to the point that bacteria can then cause a serious infection.
Your pet may also be vulnerable to other kinds of skin problems. A fungal disease called ringworm, for example, causes not only ring-shaped skin lesions but also patches of hair loss. A scabies mite infestation can cause a combination of hair loss and skin irritation called sarcoptic mange. Last but not least, tumors can form lumps in the skin. These tumors may or may not be malignant in nature.
Our Veterinary Clinic Can Rescue Your Pet’s Skin
Bring your pet to Twin Peaks Veterinary Center for a thorough physical exam. We will note your pet’s symptoms, run any necessary laboratory tests (including biopsies of suspicious lumps, and check for signs of pest infestation. We can even perform allergy testing to see whether your pet is allergic to some commonly-occurring element of his current diet or environment. We can then administer the necessary treatment to fight the problem. Your pet may benefit from:
- Surgery to remove tumors
- A hypoallergenic diet or other allergy prevention strategies
- Treatment and preventative care for pest problems
- Steroids or antihistamines to ease acute itching and inflammation
- Antibiotics to combat a skin infection