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 There are currently a substantial number of diseases of the skin that are recognized in cats, dogs and other small companion animals. Many of these skin conditions are treated and managed by general practice veterinarians. For more complex cases, including melanomas, congenital defects, autoimmune and endocrine disorders, fungal/viral/bacterial/parasitic infections, endocrine disorders and allergy testing and therapy, the primary care provider may refer the patient to a veterinary dermatologist for specialized care.
Veterinary dermatology is concerned with various specialized testing/diagnostic and treatment procedures. Skin scrapings are performed when looking for mite infestations. Swabs are obtained from the skin or ears and utilized to diagnose seditious cells and infections. Biopsies and cytologies are performed for the purpose of determining the presenting skin disease by collecting a small amount of the affected skin and staining, processing and observing it under a microscope, to look for infections, cancerous cells and inflammatory cells. Skin and discharge cultures are taken for animals suspected of having a bacterial or fungal infection in order to assess the appropriate antimicrobal treatment to pursue. The methods of therapy employed by the dermatologist include ingestible treatments, externally applied topical ointments and injected medications. The dermatology team at the VEC consists of Dr. Stephen Waisglass, a board certified veterinary dermatologist and a staff of registered veterinary technicians, specializing in the diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases that affect the skin, ears and nails. This group works closely with the primary care clinician as well as the client, in order to provide a wide range of services and to ensure the comfort and well being of the patient involved. Consultations with Dr. Waisglass are available via referral from a primary care veterinarian. **E-mail below forms to derm@vectoronto.com** Client HANDWRITTEN response form - This form is designed to be printed, filled out by hand and returned by mail or FAX Referring Vet HANDWRITTEN response form - This form is designed to be printed, filled out by hand and returned by mail or FAX Client TYPED response form - please note that this is a computerized form in Word format that should be downloaded and completed on your computer and returned by email. Referring Vet TYPED response form - please note that this is a computerized form in Word format that should be downloaded and completed on your computer and returned by email.
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