Dermatology Center for Animals

05/07/2022

Not all hair loss is allergy related!

This is a male, neutered, 3 yr old standard Schnauzer who was seen @dcaseattle for progressive hair loss that started around January 2022. The dog is not described to be itchy, although he does roll around on his back outside, occasionally. He was prescribed antibiotics and administered an anti itch medication (Cytopoint) with no improvement.

Notice the non-inflammatory nature of this hair loss, most pronounced on around the lower back and flanks! Dogs who have skin infections will generally have pustules, crusting, and circular areas of hair loss (epidermal collarettes).

Given the non-inflammatory hair loss and failure to regrow hair, and lack of itching, age of this dog, a low thyroid level was suspected and test results helped confirm this disease. Simple thyroid supplementation should help correct this problem!

04/22/2022

This is a 1.5 yr old FS Jindo that was referred to see us. She was obtained at around 7 mo from Korea. 2 weeks after she was obtained, she became itchy. She has been receiving Apoquel and Cytopoint injections with no improvement. She has been receiving the Royal Canin hydrolyzed protein diet. Her primary care veterinarian submitted a blood allergy test. She has been receiving Sentinel for flea/heart worm/GI parasite control. Nothing has been helping. Her owner developed an unusual itchy rash in January.

Notice the generalized crusting around the eyes, face, and head, but especially around the ears and boney prominences (elbows and hocks/ankles).

The distribution of skin lesions, with the owner’s history of itchy rash, and only using Sentinel, which does not kill adult fleas or other parasites (it only sterilizes flea eggs), SCABIES was immediately at the top of the list of possible diagnoses. Sure enough, numerous scabies mites were found on superficial skin scrapings. This dog was treated with Bravecto, a flea and tick medication.

PSA to all veterinarians: before a dermatologist generally considers allergy testing, a thorough history including any people involved in the care of the pet that might be exhibiting unusual itching/skin issues should be determined, and all other similar appearing itchy disorders (flea and food allergies) AND skin parasites, should be thoroughly ruled out or identified. And 1 prescription food trial does not always rule out a food allergy!

12/22/2021

Dermatology Center for Animals updated their information in their About section.

Dermatology Center for Animals updated their information in their About section.

12/07/2021

Not all skin infections are allergy related!

This 8yr old dog was referred for further evaluation of recurring skin infections. This dog HAS NOT been itchy and began having skin infections, responsive to antibiotics, about 2.5 years ago. Their veterinarian performed blood allergy testing, which had positive test results for some allergens. This dog had been prescribed anti-itch medications which did not help with the crust like skin lesions. After failing allergy shot desensitization therapy, after about 1.5 years, this dog was referred to DCA. No prior blood work had been performed.

Notice the classic and pronounced hair loss on the bridge of the nose and tail tip and mild thinning along the back of the legs. This dog had a very low total T4, very low Free T4, and elevated TSH. This dog was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and given the overall lack of itching, does not likely suffer from environmental allergies.

As a reminder, environmental allergies are best diagnosed by ruling out all other important and similar appearing processes. Blood allergy and even allergy skin testing is not a definitive way to say yes or no, a pet has allergies.

12/07/2021

If it looks like ringworm…it’s probably not. That’s generally considered a true statement amongst most dermatologists. But….

Reminder to veterinarians, although ringworm is generally considered uncommon in dogs, it should always be considered in cases of folliculitis. And asking the right questions can be very helpful in establishing differential diagnoses.

This dog was suspected of having allergies, due to licking behavior. Immune altering drugs like prednisone, Apoquel, and Cytopoint were not helping. It was referred to DCA for allergy testing. When asked if anyone at home had developed any unusual skin lesions, the owners informed us that a young child was diagnosed with ringworm around the time the dog began developing skin issues, about 8 months ago! A fungal PCR test was positive for ringworm on this dog.

Treatment should be continued until a negative PCR test is obtained.

08/27/2021

Dermatology Center for Animals updated their business hours.

Dermatology Center for Animals updated their business hours.

02/19/2021

Here’s an example of a dog with Discoid Lupus Erythematous (DLE). This can look virtually identical to a dog with mucocutaneous pyoderma. This dog failed to improve with antibiotics, thus likely rendering a diagnosis of DLE.

02/13/2021

What is this stuff??? 😃 #snowdog

02/13/2021

Wiley’s first snow day!! #snowdog

12/10/2020

Otodectes

Don’t forget about ear mites! 8 year old Shepard with 2 month history of persistent ear infections.

10/23/2020

What’s your diagnosis:
4.5 yr old male castrated mixed breed dog. Crusting started around thre bridge of the nose, spread to the testicles, the feet became inflamed. The dog lives in Eastern Washington with no travel history.

08/22/2020

What’s your Diagnosis:
6 yr Male Neutered Bulldog

08/04/2020

What’s your diagnosis? 14 yr old female spayed with feet pad crusting x4 and a focal fissure. History of liver enzyme (ALP and ALT) elevations. Crusting on feet started 4 weeks ago on one paw and progressed to all 4. Very bad odor and mild amount of purulent (pus) discharge which has improved (odor and appearance) with antibiotics; currently on the finishing end of a two week course prescribed by a local ER clinic.

07/24/2020

What’s your diagnosis?

07/15/2020

Here’s how an autoimmune disease (pemphigus foliaceus) can present. Sometimes a “skin rash” isn’t a “skin rash.”

07/10/2020

Middle Ear Flush after Myringotomy (rupturing of the ear drum)

Middle Ear Flush after Myringotomy (rupturing of the ear drum)

07/10/2020

Ear Flush after Ear Mass Removal

Ear Flush after Ear Mass Removal

07/10/2020

Ear Mass removal

Ear Mass removal

07/10/2020

Ear Mass (inflammatory polyp) in the ear canal

Ear Mass (inflammatory polyp) in the ear canal

07/10/2020

CT Scans @DCASeattle

Right Side Inflammatory Polyp with secondary Otitis Media

07/09/2020

Bernoulli doesn’t want to wake up. 😴😴😹

07/09/2020

Poor kitty with mosquito bite hypersensitivity reaction.

07/01/2020

Photos from Urban Animal's post

06/26/2020

Probable papilloma (Greyhound corn); Pre-CO2 laser removal.

06/12/2020

Ear polyp removal in a cat @DCASeattle

A 6 year old cat had recurring ear infections in one ear. Here at DCA we have specialized equipment and instruments to address complicated problems.

06/11/2020

CO2 laser procedures @DCASeattle

Cyst under the central pad, treated by ablating (burning) the cyst lining.

06/11/2020

Here’s abnormal tissue on the 5th digit of a poor dog that developed from a cyst under the central pad of the foot. This would be removed and treated with a CO2 laser #aesculight

05/14/2020

When seasonal allergies and pollens are suspected and anti-itch medications are prescribed but not working, the logical assumption is to perform allergy testing. Except if your dog has scabies! DCA is here to help and solve the real problem.

05/02/2020

Outpatient Cytopoint Injections

Outpatient Cytopoint Injections

03/24/2020

COVID-19 hours and operations

COVID-19 hours and operations

As our state continues to evolve its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to ensure that we are doing everything we can to stay available for our patients. This includes maintaining a superior level of cleanliness of our facility, enacting new exam protocols and becoming innovative with how...

03/19/2020

03/18/2020

COVID-19 Client and Staff Safety

Here at DCA, our client, patient, and staff's health are of the upmost importance. Please visit our website for the latest information on how we are addressing COVID-19. Thank you!

We at DCA are closely monitoring the ever evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in our community and beyond. We are committed to keeping our clients, patients, and staff healthy. We are also currently conducting business as usual. The way our schedule is structured allows us ample time to make s...

02/24/2020

DCA will be closed Friday 3/06/2020, for building maintenance.

12/30/2019

Our office will be closing at 3:00 pm 12/31. We will return to the office 1/2 at 9 am.
🎆HAPPY NEW YEAR!

12/06/2019