What is Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE)? Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is one of the most common autoimmune skin diseases that targets the face. An autoimmune disease is where your own immune system is reacting against you. This disease can occur in dogs and is rarely seen in cats. What are the symptoms of DLE? This […]

What is Calcinosis Cutis? This is an uncommon physiological process characterized by inappropriate mineral deposition into the epidermis (superficial skin), dermis (deep skin), and subcutis (fatty layer underneath the skin) with calcium salts. Calcinosis cutis in dogs is a rare disease usually occurring in large breeds (for example, German Shepherds) and can affect puppies and […]

SLO in Dogs: Often Undetected and Very Painful What is Symmetric Lupoid Onychitis (SLO)? This is an autoimmune condition that only affects the claws. The immune system targets multiple claws on more than one paw causing claw distortion and loss. Initially, one or two claws are lost, then over a course of weeks to months […]

How Do You Know If Your Pet Has One? Is your pet itchy? Does your pets’ skin look red and inflamed? Are they malodorous? If so, these may be signs that your pet has atopic dermatitis or environmental allergies. Atopic dermatitis is a skin sensitivity to common allergens found in our everyday environment including pollens […]

Derm Spotlight: Vitiligo What is Vitiligo? Vitiligo is an acquired autoimmune condition that causes the destruction of melanocytes. A melanocyte is a cell located in the skin, hair, and eye and produce the pigment called melanin. Melanin is a pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes of people and animals. When melanocyte […]

Derm Spotlight: Feline Dermatophytosis (ringworm) What is ringworm? Ringworm is a common superficial infection that infects the skin, hairs, and nails. It is a fungal organism that binds to the hair follicle as a nutrient source and infects hairs. Transmission is by contact with an infected animal, the environment, or fomites (objects that carry infection […]

What is Microneedling? A cosmetic procedure that applies fine needles to the skin and hair follicles stimulating the transition of resting hair follicles to producing hair shafts. This is a new veterinary treatment offered at ADRC used in dogs diagnosed with Alopecia X or Post Clipping Alopecia. How does Microneedling work? It is considered a […]

Ear infections are more common in dogs than cats. There are many causes of ear infections including allergies, parasites, autoimmune diseases, endocrine diseases, and foreign bodies (plant awns, hair, sand), to name a few. A thorough history and physical examination in addition to performing cytology helps diagnose most ear infections. There are many aspects in […]

What is it? Feline eosinophilic granuloma is an inflammatory/allergic disease that can involve the skin anywhere on the body, the lips and/or the mouth of a cat. It is considered a unique reaction pattern in allergic cats. What causes it? The skin changes are associated with an underlying hypersensitivity/allergy, most commonly associated with flea allergy. […]

What is it? Cutaneous vasculitis refers to blood vessel inflammation that leads to compromised blood supply to the skin. The inflammation occurs due to the immune system being over-stimulated. It is an uncommon skin condition in dogs and cats and can occur in any breed, age, or gender. What causes it? There are many potential […]