About Veterinary Dermatology

A veterinary dermatologist is a veterinarian with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of animal skin, ear, hair, nail, hoof, and mouth disorders. Specifically, veterinary dermatologists have significant training and experience in the management of allergic skin diseases. Additionally, their professional background make veterinary dermatologists extremely qualified in recognizing and treating infectious skin diseases (e.g., bacterial, fungal, viral), parasitic skin diseases, dander-related skin disorders, alopecia (hair loss), congenital skin diseases, autoimmune skin diseases, benign and malignant skin cancer, hormonal-related skin diseases, and other internal (systemic) causes for skin abnormalities. Chronic infections and inflammatory conditions of the ears are generally related to skin disorders and veterinary dermatologists have familiarity in managing chronic ear disorders.

Veterinary dermatologists can identify skin lesions/sores and the patterns they form on animals which aid in the selection of proper diagnostic procedures. Many specialized diagnostic procedures are used by veterinary dermatologists including, but not limited to skin cytology, skin scrapings, skin/ear cultures, skin testing, and skin biopsy. The training and experience of veterinary dermatologists may include the use of cryosurgery with the use of freezing surgical units, laser surgery, varying biopsy techniques, and video otoscopy (use of a camera to examine the ear canals).

The American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD) is a group of veterinarians who have expertise and specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of animals with benign and malignant disorders of the skin, hair, ears, and nails. This includes evaluating patients for external parasites, allergies, hormonal skin diseases and auto-immune diseases. They are able to perform many specialized diagnostic procedures including microscopic examination of the skin and hair, allergy testing, and video-otoscopic (ear) examinations. Diplomates of the specialty have received additional training which enables them to capitalize on various procedures such as skin biopsies and their interpretation. They specialize in managing chronic skin and ear disease with an emphasis on preventative medicine. Diplomates are also involved in the research and development of new drugs and therapies for various skin conditions.