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During the first visit, the patient is thoroughly assessed and the doctors formulate a plan to diagnose and treat the condition. (Sometimes they may find that a condition requires surgical treatment rather than medical, and the patient is referred to the hospital’s surgical staff. Or, they may find that secondary skin infections need to be treated before the primary problem can be addressed.)
A dermatologist injects allergen test fluids under a dog's
skin. Intradermal skin tests are used to identify allergens that
will be used for treatment.
Certain tests (if needed) are not performed until the second or later visit. Tests may involve blood sampling or a series of injections into the skin if the doctors suspect an environmental allergy cause. The standard allergy panel tests for 50 different pollens, mold and dust substances, similar to tests done in humans. Or, if food allergies are suspected, the animal will be placed on a controlled diet trial.
Once an allergy is diagnosed, the patient is treated with medication or shots to reduce sensitivity (depending on what the animal is allergic to, how bad the allergy is, and how old the animal is). For further information on allergy testing, click here.
back to the Dermatology Service
