Skin and ear conditions are among the most common reasons pets visit the veterinarian. Our team provides thorough examinations and diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause of irritation, infection, or discomfort.
By identifying the source of the problem, we can provide targeted treatment and long-term management strategies. Persistent or severe cases may require soft tissue procedures for effective resolution.
Early diagnosis and proper treatment help restore comfort while preventing chronic skin and ear conditions. Bloodwork may be recommended to rule out underlying systemic causes.
Usually not. Without the right treatment, ear infections tend to linger or come back, and a long-standing infection can damage the ear canal. Ear drops work best once we know what is causing the infection.
Allergies are a common cause: to things in the environment, such as pollen and dust mites, or to an ingredient in food. Bacterial and yeast skin infections often follow and make the itch worse. Mites and other parasites can also cause itching even when you don't see fleas.
Ear mites, a grass seed or other object stuck in the ear, a growth in the ear canal, or an allergy flare can all look like an infection. That is why we look inside the ear before choosing a treatment.
Cleaning an infected ear with the wrong product can sting, push debris deeper, or hide what the infection really is. Call us before trying home treatments, especially if the ear is painful.
A very painful or swollen ear, a head tilt, loss of balance, or skin that is raw and oozing should be seen soon. See same-day and weekend visits.
Dogs and cats experiencing skin or ear discomfort frequently show signs such as regular scratching, head shaking, rubbing their face or body against surfaces, or displaying red, inflamed, or irritated skin.
We perform a comprehensive physical examination and may recommend diagnostic tests such as skin or ear cytology. By evaluating these microscopic samples, we can determine whether the underlying cause involves bacteria, yeast, or environmental factors.
Yes, infections can recur, particularly if they are linked to ongoing environmental or food allergies. For chronic cases, we establish long-term management plans to help support the skin barrier and reduce the frequency of future flare-ups.
Chronic or recurring skin and ear problems are sometimes initiated by an underlying systemic health condition, such as endocrine or metabolic disorders. Bloodwork helps rule out these conditions so we can address the root cause rather than only managing visible signs.
Most skin and ear conditions are managed effectively with targeted medical therapies. However, if the condition becomes chronic, severe, or causes structural changes to the tissues that do not respond to standard treatments, soft tissue surgical procedures may be recommended to help manage chronic symptoms and support comfort.
