Dermatology

Our new dermatology service is now taking referrals

The dermatology service is led by an RCVS and EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology and accepts referrals in all aspects of dermatology including all skin, hair, ear and paw/claw diseases.

Our combination of expertise, experience and technology enables us to achieve rapid and accurate diagnoses, essential for selecting the most appropriate therapy. The dermatology service benefits from collaboration with the diagnostic imaging and internal medicine services to address potential underlying causes of more complex dermatology cases. Access to specialists in soft tissue surgery allows for the surgical management of appropriate cases such as excessive skin folds and some ear disease.

Dog-Consutation2

Common problems referred to us include:

  • pruritus
  • alopecia
  • nodules
  • pustules
  • scaling
  • ulcers
  • chronic otitis
  • claw/nail disease
  • antibiotic resistant infections

 

We diagnose and treat a wide range of diseases including:

  • Acral Lick Dermatitis - This can be very frustrating to manage and is often complicated by secondary bacterial infection. Identifying the underlying cause is necessary before implementing any therapeutic strategy.
  • Alopecia - This is a common clinical presentation of many dermatological diseases. It is important to eliminate pruritic causes of hair loss before carrying out further diagnostic investigations.
  • Anal Furunculosis - A chronic progressive disease of the peri-anal tissues, this frequently affects middle-aged to older German Shepherd dogs. Immunosuppressive medical therapy is often helpful in controlling clinical signs.
  • Immune-mediated/Autoimmune Diseases - Diagnosis of these diseases is complex and challenging and may necessitate biopsy and specialist histological examinations.
  • Pododermatitis and claw disorders - These are frequent manifestations of underlying conditions. In addition to a thorough examination, biopsies or cytology may be necessary for diagnosis.
  • Chronic Ear Diseases - Patients require investigation for evidence of allergic or endocrine disease. Video-otoscopy and/or MRI/CT scans may be needed to evaluate any involvement of the middle or inner ears.
  • Ectoparasitoses and Infectious Diseases - We carry out fungal cultures and microbiological testing as well as serological testing for parasitic diseases.
  • Endocrine Diseases - Hyperadrenocorticism and hypothyroidism are common examples. We utilise hormonal assays and tests such as MRI for diagnosis.
  • Intertriginous Diseases - These develop at sites where frictional contact allows accumulation of secretions that promote secondary pyoderma. If the underlying aetiology is addressed, many cases can be managed medically although some may need surgical intervention.

Dermatology Facilities

Meet the Dermatology Team

Debbie Gow

BVM&S PhD Dip.ECVD FHEA FRCVS

EBVS® European Specialist & RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology