What would your life be like if you had to deal with constant itching and other unpleasant skin problems?
For pets that suffer from allergies and other dermatological conditions, life can be downright miserable. The good news is, with the right team in your corner, it doesn’t have to be! At Northbrook Animal Hospital, we understand the complexities surrounding pet skin problems. More importantly, we can get a timely and accurate diagnosis so the most effective treatment strategy can be put in place.
We’ll start by conducting a comprehensive physical exam. We may also perform a number of diagnostic tests, such as blood work, skin scrapings or biopsies. This will further help us pinpoint the precise problem. This is important because the sooner we can diagnose the issue at hand, the faster we can get your pet feeling better again.
Some of the many skin ailments we provide assistance with include:
- Food allergies
- Environmental allergies
- Infections of the skin or ears
- Parasites
- Dermatitis
- Diseases of the feet
- Tumors
- Hormonal disorders
- Autoimmune diseases
- Skin cancer
With a definitive diagnosis in hand, we will set to work developing an individualized treatment plan that is custom-made for your pet. Our treatment options range from the application of topical creams to oral or injectable medication, to supplements, therapy or surgery. If we feel it would best address the problem, we may recommend a combination of these treatment methods. Our goal is to target the cause of the symptoms or manage them in a way that improves your pet’s quality of life.
With allergies, there are additional steps involved in the process. First, we must determine what type of allergy we’re dealing with. Then, we must identify the triggers that are causing your pet’s reactions. Once we have this information, we will work with you to develop a long-term treatment strategy. In many cases, simple lifestyle modifications, like changing foods, can be enough to get an allergy under control. We will come up with a plan that is perfect for your pet’s specific needs.
If you’re not sure whether your pet may be experiencing a skin problem, some of the signs to look for include:
- Scratching excessively
- Licking, biting or chewing at the affected area
- Unusual lumps or bumps, on or under the skin
- Hair loss or bald spots
- Scabbing or flaky skin
If you have any questions about our services, please contact us today at (763) 560-5320.