Dermatology

The following are some dermatology services we offer at Rio Verde Animal Hospital:

Allergy Testing: Food or environmental allergies are a common cause of skin problems in pets. Symptoms include scratching, skin rash, licking, excessive biting, crusty sores, or even bald patches. Allergy testing can help our team identify the cause of your furry friend's allergies so that we can develop a treatment plan that provides real, lasting relief.

Insect Bites: Insect bites can cause various problems in pets, including pain, itching, and swelling. Our veterinary team offers a range of treatment options to help relieve your furry friend’s discomfort. We also emphasize the importance of keeping up with routine parasite prevention, including drops or chews, to keep ticks, fleas, or mites from affecting your pet's health. 

Skin and Ear Infections: Skin and ear infections are common pet problems. Symptoms may include red, itchy, or inflamed skin or discharge from the ears. Our skilled veterinary team will evaluate your furry friend and may recommend topical medication, oral antibiotics, or ear drops to treat any skin or ear infections. Our goal is to get your pet’s health on track and prevent complications down the road. 

Itchy Dogs: The most common causes of itchy dogs are food or seasonal allergies, fleas and mites, and skin infections. Our dedicated veterinarians will help determine the cause of your dog's relentless itching and develop a custom treatment plan to provide long-lasting relief. We may recommend medications, dietary modifications, or skin care products to minimize the urge to scratch. 

Hot Spot Treatment: Hot spots are red and moist lesions that can be warm to the touch. They can develop anywhere on the body but are usually found on a dog's head, legs, or tail or a cat's neck or thighs. Treatment options include antibiotics, anti-itch medications, and steroids if needed. Our goal is to determine the underlying causes of the hot spots to prevent future recurrence. 

Wound Care: Pet wounds can range from a torn toenail to deep lacerations. Treatment will depend on the extent of damage and may involve cleaning and disinfecting the area or even surgical wound repair. We encourage pet parents to ensure any pet injury is evaluated promptly to prevent infection or complications. 

Skin Mass Removal: If your pet has a skin mass, it is important to have it evaluated. Some skin masses are benign, but others can be cancerous. Our veterinary team may recommend removing a mass to have it tested. We provide prompt treatment, as needed, to get your pet’s health back on track.