Dermatology: The Dermatology service investigates and treats diseases affecting the skin including the ears and feet.

Consultant:

Rosario Cerundolo DVM DipECVD CertVD MRCVS

  • European & RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology

Rosario is an internationally acknowledged specialist in Veterinary Dermatology.

After working at the University of Pennsylvania as an Associate Professor of Veterinary Dermatology for five years, Rosario set up the Dermatology clinic at DWR. Rosario brings a wealth of experience to the diagnosis and treatment of dogs and cats with skin and hair diseases as well as diseases of the ear canal and claws.

Dermatological conditions can be difficult to diagnose and an accurate diagnosis is essential in selecting the most appropriate therapy. We commonly treat conditions including: hair loss, itchy skin disease and skin and ear infections. Our specialised diagnostic procedures include intradermal testing, to detect allergies to specific environmental allergens, and video otoscopy which facilitates detailed examination and recording of the ear canal and tympanic membrane.

Collaboration with our colleagues who are leaders in their own specialist disciplines enables an integrated clinical approach which allows us to deliver the best possible service to our patients and to pet owners. We are supported by a team of highly qualified specialist nurses dedicated to providing first class care throughout the hospital care of all our patients.

"I would like to thank you for treating Kia and the amazing transformation you have made to the condition of her ears and her overall quality of life. We found DWR an excellent and truly professional practice offering the highest standards and levels of customer and canine care. In particular, it was a pleasure meeting Dr Rosario Cerundolo, who not only demonstrated his professional expertise, but also took the time to discuss Kia' s condition and treatment with us and was able to answer all our questions."

Referral of all Dermatology cases is welcome, including those suspected of the following conditions: allergy, alopecia, ectoparasites and infectious diseases, chronic or recurrent ear infections, diseases of the paws, footpads and claws, autoimmune skin diseases and endocrine (hormonal) disorders.

Dick White Referrals - Rosario Cerundolo

Rosario Cerundolo: Consultant Dermatology Specialist

DVM DipECVD CertVD MRCVS

  • Honorary Associate Professor of Veterinary Dermatology, University of Nottingham
  • Diplomate, European College of Veterinary Dermatology
  • European & RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology

I graduated from Naples University (Italy) in 1987 and first spent two and a half years in a small animal practice in Italy, after which I joined the Medicine unit at the School of Veterinary Medicine in Naples where I completed a thesis titled 'Infectious Diseases, Prophylaxis and Veterinary Animal Health.'

In 1997 I gained the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons 'Certificate in Veterinary Dermatology', and in 1998, after completing a residency in Dermatology at the Royal Veterinary College in London, I gained the European Diploma in Veterinary Dermatology. In 2000 I was awarded the title of 'RCVS recognised Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology.'

I spent seven years working as an Associate Professor in Veterinary Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA prior to moving to DWR in 2008  in order to set up our Dermatology clinic. I have published numerous scientific and clinical articles and book chapters in Veterinary Dermatology and I have  presented at various international congresses.

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Treatments - Dermatology

Allergy

The most common types of allergy affecting the skin include: food allergy, environmental allergy (pollens, moulds, house dust mites) and insect hypersensitisation (fleas and mosquitoes). Both intradermal and blood (allergen-specific IgE serology) tests for allergic diseases are carried out in affected patients. Treatments for allergy include pharmacotherapy and/or allergen-specific immunotherapy (allergy vaccine).

Treatments - Dermatology

Ectoparasites and infectious diseases

There are many skin diseases caused by parasites (eg demodicosis and scabies), bacteria (MRSA infections), fungi (ringworm), viruses or protozoa (leishmaniosis). Fungal cultures and other microbiologic tests are carried out from skin or secretion samples. Our on-site clinical pathology laboratory ensures that test results are received without delay.

Treatments - Dermatology

Chronic or recurrent ear infections

There are many causes of recurrent ear canal infections, affecting dogs and, less frequently, cats. Investigation of ear infections involves, identifying or ruling out an underlying allergy or endocrine disease; performing an MRI scan, if necessary, to evaluate involvement of the middle ear. In some cases, treatment may be carried out by ear flushing, assisted by video otoscopy. Surgical intervention for lateral wall resection or total ear canal ablation (TECA) and bulla osteotomy is performed by our Soft Tissue surgeons.

Treatments - Dermatology

Diseases of the paws, footpads and claws

There are many underlying causes of pododermatitis and claw disease (eg allergy, parasites, tumours, autoimmune disease). In some cases, a skin biopsy is necessary for diagnosis of these conditions.

Treatments - Dermatology

Autoimmune diseases

The most common autoimmune conditions seen in Dermatology are discoid lupus, pemphigus foliaceous, uveodermatological syndrome and bullous diseases. A skin biopsy is necessary for diagnosis in many of these conditions.

Treatments - Dermatology

Endocrine (hormonal) diseases

Many internal problems can cause skin disease, including diseases of the liver, pancreas, hormone-producing glands and the gastrointestinal tract. In Dermatology we evaluate patients with hyperadrenocorticism, hypothyroidism and paraneoplastic skin diseases. We routinely perform investigations including MRI for evaluating pituitary tumours, ultrasonography and hormonal tests to determine the nature and cause of endocrine diseases.

Treatments - Dermatology

Alopecia

This is a common clinical presentation and a number of hereditary or acquired conditions present with hair loss in dogs and cats. Many breeds of dog are predisposed to hereditary forms of alopecia affecting adult dogs. It is important to rule out pruritic causes of hair loss before carrying out further diagnostic tests in the investigation of alopecia.

Dick White Referrals - Publications

Selected publications

  • Cerundolo R., Lloyd D.H., Evans H., Mol J.A., Vaessen M.M.A.R., Kooistra H.S. Rijnberk A. Alopecia X in Pomeranians and miniature poodles is associated with abnormal pituitary-adrenal function. The Veterinary Record 160(12): 393-7, 2007. Erratum in: Vet Rec. 2007 Apr 21;160(16):547.
  • Cerundolo R, Michel KE, Court MH, Shrestha B, Refsal KR, Oliver JW, Biourge V, Shofer FS. Effects of dietary soy isoflavones on health, steroidogenesis, and thyroid gland function in dogs. American Journal of Veterinary Research 70: 353-60, 2009.
  • Hanley M.J., Cerundolo R., Radwanski N., and Court M.H. Grapefruit juice, lyophilized grapefruit juice, and powdered whole grapefruit inhibit cytochrome P450 mediated triazolam hydroxylation by beagle dog liver microsomes. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 33:189-195, 2010.
  • Radwanski NE., Cerundolo R., Shofer FS., Court MH. The effects of lyophilized grapefruit juice and metoclopramide on the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine in dogs. AJVR 72: 687-93, 2011.