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Parasitic diseases in rabbits: the commonest threats and how to prevent them
Coccidiosis, encephalitozoonosis, ear mange and cheyletiellosis are the parasitic diseases pet rabbits meet most often, and they can go unnoticed for a long time. We explain how they are diagnosed in the laboratory, how they are treated, and which hygiene, quarantine and feeding rules keep infection at bay.
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How to protect your dog’s paws in winter
Frost, ice and road salt leave a dog's pads irritated, cracked and sometimes frostbitten every winter. We explain how to pick a route and a protective wax before the walk, how to rinse and dry the paws properly once you are home, and which signs mean it is time to call the veterinary clinic.
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Horner’s syndrome in dogs and cats: signs, causes, diagnosis and treatment
A drooping eyelid, a smaller pupil and a visible third eyelid on one side add up to Horner's syndrome. It is not painful in itself and does not harm sight, but it often signals another, more serious condition underneath. We explain the causes, the diagnostic steps, the pharmacological tests and the treatment options.
What happens at a dermatology appointment?
What is a veterinary dermatologist?
In veterinary medicine, a dermatologist is a vet who specialises in skin diseases in animals. This field requires extensive knowledge of laboratory tests and how to interpret them, because the dermatologist often carries out additional tests, such as cytology, in person.
What happens at a dermatology appointment with a dog or cat?
As with any vet, the appointment starts with taking a history. In dermatology, this has to be very detailed. It is a good idea for the owner to prepare for the consultation in advance so they can give precise answers that will help with the diagnosis.
The vet then moves on to a clinical examination and an assessment of the skin, ears and coat. To reach a diagnosis, various laboratory tests often have to be ordered, such as examination of skin scrapings and hair, a culture or a biopsy. If your pet has had a blood test recently, bring the results with you.
Depending on the problem, the vet may start treatment straight away. It can happen that laboratory results take anywhere from a few days to even a few weeks.
Treating skin conditions often takes time and one appointment is not enough. In this specialty, regular follow-up appointments are important to check how the treatment is progressing.
How to prepare for a dermatology appointment?
If the patient is a dog, do not bathe it before the appointment, because the vet needs to see the problem as it really is and washing the dog can mask everything. It is a good idea to bring your pet’s health record, which contains details of vaccinations and worming. You should know what illnesses your pet has had and, ideally, have any notes relating to this problem and its treatment. If your pet is on long-term medication, it is very important to know exactly which drugs. If you saw an internal medicine vet before the specialist appointment, bring details of any treatment that was started. It is also very important to know what food your dog or cat eats and exactly what it contains.
When is it worth seeing a veterinary dermatologist?
In cases such as itching, lumps on the body, flaking skin, rashes, coat problems, hair loss and all sorts of skin changes. Remember that as soon as you notice any skin problem in your pet, it is best to book an appointment as quickly as possible, because skin conditions very often get worse or spread within a short time.
How much does a dermatology appointment for a dog or cat cost?
The cost depends on the problem in question. Sometimes an appointment, medication and a follow-up are all that is needed. If the problem is complicated, it may require additional tests, more medication and more frequent follow-ups. It varies a great deal and is assessed individually.