Cytology
Cytology is a very frequently recommended and utilized non-invasive diagnostic test that can be performed during the examination. Cytology can identify bacteria, some fungi, and parasites of the skin as well as inflammatory cells and abnormal cells. Samples are obtained by gently pressing a microscope slide or sticky tape to affected skin or in some cases gently plucking hairs or scraping the skin surface or utilizing a swab. The samples are stained if needed and examined with the microscope.
Microbiology
Many dermatology patients have secondary bacterial and fungal infections of their skin and antibiotic resistant infections have become more common. If we suspect and confirm an infection upon examination and cytology, we may recommend certain bacterial and/or fungal skin cultures or next generation DNA sequencing microbiome tests to accurately identify the pesky pathogens and help guide us to the most effective treatment. Obtaining these samples is usually done with a sterile swab of the surface of the skin.
Allergy Testing
Food Allergy Testing
Many pets have food allergens that trigger their chronic itch and chronic skin/ear infections. While there are some serum food allergy tests available, a Food Trial is the most accurate food "allergy test”. A typical food trial involves feeding the prescribed diet for at least 2-3 months and usually follows a transition period of several days to 1-2 weeks to start. No unapproved treats, snacks, supplements, human food, or flavored medications are typically allowed while conducting a food trial. We will work with you to determine the best diet options if a food trial is recommended for your pet.
Intradermal Allergy Testing
Many pets have environmental allergens that trigger their chronic itch and chronic skin/ear infections. An Intradermal Allergy Test can pinpoint your pet’s environmental allergens (pollens, dust mites, etc.) in order to formulate their own custom allergen therapy which can be helpful for many dogs/cats within 12 months of starting. This procedure involves dozens of intradermal allergen injections into a shaved area of skin and requires sedation (and thus fasting starting the night before). This procedure requires a withdrawal from certain medications such as oral antihistamines and oral/topical steroids as well as that the skin in the testing site be relatively free of inflammation and infection
Serum Allergy Testing
A Serum Allergy Test is another method to help pinpoint the environmental allergens and aid in selecting allergens for allergen specific immunotherapy which can be helpful for many dogs/cats within 12 months of starting. This does not typically include food allergens as the good standard diagnostic test for food allergy is a proper food trial/elimination diet. A serum allergy test does not usually require any withdrawal from any medications and involves obtaining a blood sample that is submitted to the allergy laboratory.
Allergen Specific Immunotherapy
Allergen specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is customized for your pet based upon their environmental allergy test results, environment, and lifestyle. ASIT is comprised of purified allergen extracts that your pet is allergic to that they cannot avoid. ASIT is available as SLIT (sublingual immunotherapy) or SCIT (subcutaneous injection immunotherapy). SLIT is given as a small "micro dose" in the mouth (under the tongue if possible or in the cheek pouch) as daily dosing. SCIT is a series of injections that start every several days and then become more concentrated and less frequent (average weekly injections long-term). Unfortunately we cannot cure your pet of their allergies. The goal of allergen specific immunotherapy is to desensitize your pet to their major allergens over time to decrease flare ups and increase quality of life (and potentially decrease the use of other concurrent medications). This therapy is considered very safe and has very low side effect potential but takes time and improvement is gradual. The key is consistency and commitment to this therapy for at least one year to appreciate the benefit and to continue long-term/lifelong if helpful.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy, also known as Cryosurgery involves the delivery of a very cold gas to certain skin masses to freeze the cells. Freezing these unwanted cells is often an effective way to destroy them. We utilize an advanced Cryosurgery device that allows us to deliver a very precise amount of nitrous oxide directly to the targeted area. This allows us to perform this procedure without general anesthesia and often without local anesthetic. Small benign skin growths can often respond to one or more cryotherapy treatments by shrinking or decreasing in size. Our team will address your pet’s individual case to determine if cryotherapy is appropriate and if it is, it can be a relatively quick and easy process for your pet. We like to say cryotherapy is very COOL :)
Skin Biopsies and Dermatohistopathology
Skin biopsies can be obtained from representative skin lesions (often with local rather than general anesthesia) and submitted to the pathologist. Skin sites that are biopsied typically will have several sutures following the procedure. We utilize a veterinary pathology laboratory with vast experience in the nuances of veterinary dermatohistopathology to provide the best information for our patients.