HOW WE HELP

Pet's Itchy SkinYour Pet’s Itchy Skin: How We Can Help

The medical term for a pet’s itchy skin (or itchiness) is pruritus. We can grade pruritus on a scale of 1-10: a 1 is a patient that stops and scratches momentarily, while a 10 is a patient that can do nothing else but scratch (or lick, chew, bite, and/or rub).

Most pets with itchy skin are allergic and have inflammation. This skin inflammation causes an imbalance in the normal barrier function of the skin and leads to secondary skin infections.

Investigating and Treating Itchy Skin

The veterinary dermatologist addresses pruritus with a multifactorial approach. Investigating and treating secondary infection is very important, as is settling inflammation from the underlying allergy, and also getting to the heart of the matter by considering various allergic diseases and formulating a plan to explore those allergies.

 A veterinary dermatologist’s specialized diagnostic procedures can include:

  • Trichogram
  • Skin and ear cytology
  • Skin biopsy and dermatopathologic evaluation
  • Intradermal allergy test
  • Food allergy dietary elimination trial
  • Fungal cultures and other microbiologic testing of skin scrapings or secretions
  • Video otoscopy and deep ear flush

Through these procedures and subsequent treatment, ADRC doctors are determined to find relief for your pet’s itchy skin.