Treating the Cause of Skin and Ear Problems—Not Just the Symptoms
Not only can itchy skin be uncomfortable to your pet, it may be a sign of deeper medical issue like allergies or infections. At West Hills Animal Hospital & Emergency Center, our team has extensive experience in veterinary dermatology and offers targeted treatment plans for a wide range of skin, coat, ear and nail problems.
Conditions We Commonly Treat Include:
- Allergies to things pets inhale and things pets eat
- Bacterial, fungal, and viral skin and ear infections
- Ear mites
- Hormonal or immune-related skin diseases
- Parasitic infections (such as mange or ringworm)
- Skin reactions linked to internal illness
- Skin tumors and skin cancer
- Yeast infections
Signs Your Pet’s Skin Needs a Closer Look
If your dog is showing any of the following signs, it is time to schedule an appointment. Left untreated, skin issues can worsen quickly—and cause significant discomfort for your pet.
- Changes in coat texture or color
- Frequent licking, chewing, or scratching
- Hair loss or thinning patches
- Hot spots (raw, red, moist, inflamed patches)
- Lesions or discolored areas of skin
- Scabs, flakes, or dandruff
- A strong odor coming from your pet’s ears or skin
Diagnostic Tools We Employ on the Road to Relief
Identifying the root cause of a skin problem can be complex. We use the following tools to help create the most effective treatment plan for your pet:
- Biopsies – examining small tissue samples when deeper insight is needed
- Cultures – identifying bacterial or fungal infections in the lab
- Cytology – analyzing skin cells under a microscope
- Intradermal Allergy Testing and Immunotherapy – to pinpoint allergens and provide long-term relief through customized treatment
Please call us today to schedule a dermatology appointment for your pet: (631) 351-6116