Dermatology Center for Animals

04/22/2022

This is a 1.5 yr old FS Jindo that was referred to see us. She was obtained at around 7 mo from Korea. 2 weeks after she was obtained, she became itchy. She has been receiving Apoquel and Cytopoint injections with no improvement. She has been receiving the Royal Canin hydrolyzed protein diet. Her primary care veterinarian submitted a blood allergy test. She has been receiving Sentinel for flea/heart worm/GI parasite control. Nothing has been helping. Her owner developed an unusual itchy rash in January.

Notice the generalized crusting around the eyes, face, and head, but especially around the ears and boney prominences (elbows and hocks/ankles).

The distribution of skin lesions, with the owner’s history of itchy rash, and only using Sentinel, which does not kill adult fleas or other parasites (it only sterilizes flea eggs), SCABIES was immediately at the top of the list of possible diagnoses. Sure enough, numerous scabies mites were found on superficial skin scrapings. This dog was treated with Bravecto, a flea and tick medication.

PSA to all veterinarians: before a dermatologist generally considers allergy testing, a thorough history including any people involved in the care of the pet that might be exhibiting unusual itching/skin issues should be determined, and all other similar appearing itchy disorders (flea and food allergies) AND skin parasites, should be thoroughly ruled out or identified. And 1 prescription food trial does not always rule out a food allergy!

12/07/2021

Not all skin infections are allergy related!

This 8yr old dog was referred for further evaluation of recurring skin infections. This dog HAS NOT been itchy and began having skin infections, responsive to antibiotics, about 2.5 years ago. Their veterinarian performed blood allergy testing, which had positive test results for some allergens. This dog had been prescribed anti-itch medications which did not help with the crust like skin lesions. After failing allergy shot desensitization therapy, after about 1.5 years, this dog was referred to DCA. No prior blood work had been performed.

Notice the classic and pronounced hair loss on the bridge of the nose and tail tip and mild thinning along the back of the legs. This dog had a very low total T4, very low Free T4, and elevated TSH. This dog was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and given the overall lack of itching, does not likely suffer from environmental allergies.

As a reminder, environmental allergies are best diagnosed by ruling out all other important and similar appearing processes. Blood allergy and even allergy skin testing is not a definitive way to say yes or no, a pet has allergies.

08/27/2021

02/19/2021

Here’s an example of a dog with Discoid Lupus Erythematous (DLE). This can look virtually identical to a dog with mucocutaneous pyoderma. This dog failed to improve with antibiotics, thus likely rendering a diagnosis of DLE.

02/13/2021

What is this stuff??? 😃

02/13/2021

Wiley’s first snow day!!

12/10/2020

Don’t forget about ear mites! 8 year old Shepard with 2 month history of persistent ear infections.

10/23/2020

What’s your diagnosis:
4.5 yr old male castrated mixed breed dog. Crusting started around thre bridge of the nose, spread to the testicles, the feet became inflamed. The dog lives in Eastern Washington with no travel history.

08/22/2020

What’s your Diagnosis:
6 yr Male Neutered Bulldog

08/04/2020

What’s your diagnosis? 14 yr old female spayed with feet pad crusting x4 and a focal fissure. History of liver enzyme (ALP and ALT) elevations. Crusting on feet started 4 weeks ago on one paw and progressed to all 4. Very bad odor and mild amount of purulent (pus) discharge which has improved (odor and appearance) with antibiotics; currently on the finishing end of a two week course prescribed by a local ER clinic.

07/24/2020

What’s your diagnosis?

07/15/2020

Here’s how an autoimmune disease (pemphigus foliaceus) can present. Sometimes a “skin rash” isn’t a “skin rash.”

07/10/2020

07/10/2020

07/10/2020

07/10/2020

07/10/2020

Right Side Inflammatory Polyp with secondary Otitis Media

07/09/2020

Bernoulli doesn’t want to wake up. 😴😴😹

07/09/2020

Poor kitty with mosquito bite hypersensitivity reaction.

07/01/2020

06/26/2020

Probable papilloma (Greyhound corn); Pre-CO2 laser removal.

06/12/2020

A 6 year old cat had recurring ear infections in one ear. Here at DCA we have specialized equipment and instruments to address complicated problems.

06/11/2020

Cyst under the central pad, treated by ablating (burning) the cyst lining.

06/11/2020

Here’s abnormal tissue on the 5th digit of a poor dog that developed from a cyst under the central pad of the foot. This would be removed and treated with a CO2 laser

05/14/2020

When seasonal allergies and pollens are suspected and anti-itch medications are prescribed but not working, the logical assumption is to perform allergy testing. Except if your dog has scabies! DCA is here to help and solve the real problem.

05/02/2020

03/24/2020

As our state continues to evolve its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to ensure that we are doing everything we can to stay available for our patients. This includes maintaining a superior level of cleanliness of our facility, enacting new exam protocols and becoming innovative with how...

03/19/2020