For Veterinary Surgeons

Specialist Referral Services

Dermatology

The Dermatology service is run by Rosario Cerundolo

At Dick White Referrals, our Dermatology and Allergy Service provides specialist, professional, assistance to veterinarians and their clients with the evaluation of dogs and cats for all types of skin and hair diseases as well as diseases of the ear canal and nails.

We offer specialised diagnostic procedures and treatments including state-of-the-art Video Otoscopy and intradermal allergy testing.

We use the very latest in diagnostic technologies and collaborate with our colleagues who are leaders in their disciplines of Anaesthesia, Cardiology, Clinical Pathology, Diagnostic Imaging, Internal Medicine, Oncology, Orthopaedics, Neurology and Soft Tissue Surgery. We are confident that this integrated approach allows us to deliver the best possible service to our patients and their owners. We are supported by a team of highly qualified specialist nurses dedicated to providing first class care through the stay of all patients.

Referral of all dermatology cases is welcome, including those suspected of the following conditions:

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. After discussing the therapeutic options offered by standard pharmacotherapy with owners allergen-specific immunotherapy (allergy vaccine) may be initiated.

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 with a minimum of delay.

Chronic or recurrent ear infections

There are many causes of recurrent ear canal infections, affecting dogs and less frequently cats. Patients are worked up by ruling out an underlying allergy or endocrine disease; performing an MRI, if necessary, to evaluate the involvement of the middle ear. Treatment may be carried out by ear flushing under general anaesthesia by using a videootoscope. If surgical intervention for lateral wall resection or total ear canal ablation (TECA) and bulla osteotomy is necessary, patients will be referred to our soft-tissue surgery service.

Diseases of the paws, footpads and claws

There are many underlying causes of pododermatitis and claw disease (eg allergy, parasites, tumours, autoimmune disease). Some of these conditions will be diagnosed by skin biopsy.

Autoimmune diseases

The most common conditions seen in dermatology are discoid lupus, pemphigus foliaceous, uveodermatological syndrome and bullous diseases. Many of these conditions will be diagnosed by skin biopsy.

Endocrine (hormonal)

Many internal problems can cause skin diseases, including diseases of the liver, pancreas, hormone-producing glands and gastrointestinal tract. In Dermatology we will evaluate patients with hyperadrenocorticism, hypothyroidism and paraneoplastic skin diseases. Diagnostic tests such as MRI for evaluating pituitary tumors, or ultrasound and hormonal tests are carried out routinely.

Alopecia

This is a common clinical presentation and a number of hereditary or acquired conditions presents with hair loss in dogs and cats. Many breeds 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.

Our Specialist Dermatologist is also available, by prior arrangement, for ambulatory Dermatology Clinics within our colleagues' practices. For information about this service, other dermatological services or to discuss a case, please contact Rosario Cerundolo.