One of the most common presented concerns is our pet’s skin abnormalities. For a pet owner, skin problems can be very frustrating. Sometimes, the symptoms can be so severe that the skin may become irritated, sore and infected. The single most important aspect of controlling the itching sensation is to identify and treat the underlying problem. This indicates that your veterinarian at Weldrick Animal Hospital in Richmond Hill cares about your pet and wants the problem treated in an up-to-date manner.
Dermatological problems can occur at any age to any species; and are commonly caused by the following conditions:
Allergies
External parasites (mites, fleas, ticks, lice)
Bacterial and/or fungal infections
Hormonal disorders
Immune-mediated diseases
Inflammatory conditions
It is essential to determine an accurate diagnosis for any skin condition, and we at Weldrick Animal Hospital have many diagnostic tools to help enable us in ascertaining the proper treatment for your pet. Procedures such as skin scrapings, fungal and bacterial cultures, skin biopsies, microscopic hair evaluation, and possibly even blood and urine testing may be recommended depending on your pet’s individual symptoms.
Treatment is extremely dependent on each individual patient. To restore a pet’s skin and coat back to its healthy, lustrous state we must first address the underlying cause affecting them. Once this has been addressed the doctor will determine whether they require topical and/or oral antibiotics to treat a secondary infection or if their condition is chronic enough to prescribe medications in order to decrease inflammation. In addition to these recommendations, we provide medicated shampoos, supportive medication and supplements such as omega fatty acids and vitamins. Patients with suspected allergies may receive nutritional counselling and recommendations for special diets.
All our service offered to clients from Richmond Hill, Markham, Newmarket, Thornhill, Vaughan, Maple, Aurora, North York and Toronto area.
Since skin conditions can be very tricky, we encourage you to provide consistent management and follow up visits to determine if your pet’s problem is under control, and to ensure the comfort of your pet.