Is your pet dealing with discomfort?

Skin conditions in pets often become apparent as the pet begins to scratch more than normal or even obsessively.

Pet owners may see redness or sores develop, and it is obvious that their pet is uncomfortable. At Chester Animal Clinic, we are equipped to diagnose and treat a number of different skin conditions in pets and are able to help pet owners manage their pets’ conditions and offer much-needed relief.

Symptoms that suggest a pet should be tested for skin conditions include:

• Itching
• Hair loss
• Painful pustules
• Skin ulcers
• Redness
• Unusual odor
• Change in hair texture
• Change in skin texture

Our in-house lab is equipped to complete diagnostic testing, including:

Scrape tests—Taking a sample from the surface of a pet’s skin can diagnose conditions such as mange and scabies. As the name suggests, the sample is collected by scraping across the surface of the affected area.
Skin biopsy—A biopsy is performed by taking a small sample of skin for analysis. Depending on the situation, the area to be biopsied may be numbed prior to collecting the sample.
Swab tests to collect cells for cytology

We also partner with GREER Laboratories for:

Allergy testing—Using a blood sample, their lab can determine if the skin condition is the result of pet allergies. Pets can be allergic to many of the same things that humans can. From food to types of fabrics, plants, and even things that can be inhaled, such as mildew or pollen, allergies in pets can manifest as itching skin, hair loss, and sores.

With proper diagnosis and treatment, Chester Animal Clinic finds that most skin conditions can be managed so that your pet no longer experiences discomfort. If you have concerns over the health of your pet’s skin, please feel free to contact us and set up an appointment to meet with one of our veterinarians.