Pet Allergies and Itchy Skin Relief

Allergen specific immunotherapy, commonly referred to as allergy shots is the most effective way to treat airborne allergies, sometimes resulting in permanent cures.

Endocrine function testing measures the different hormone levels in the blood such as cortisol, thyroxine, ACTH, parathyroid hormone, insulin and growth hormone. Stimulation testing are timed blood tests that measure the response of endocrine glands to stimulating the hormones.

Ear infections are commonly seen in dogs, but can become serious if left untreatedd. Bacterial infections are most commonly caused by yeast, ear mites, and funcus, while other causes for infections can be foreign objects lodged in the ear, trauma or tumors or polyps.

A bacterial or fungul culture test is a method of identifying specific fungus that is infection a cat or a dog looking at conditons such as ringworm. Fungal culture tests combined with a physical examination help the veterinary team find teh best treatment plan for your pet.

A RAST (Radioallergosorbent) test is a blood test that can be used to determine whether a dog is allergic to certain antigens and is often performed as part of workup for atopy (a skin manifestation of inhalant allergies).

Food trial plans are monitored closely with a veterinarian and aid in diagnosing a pet with a food allergy by removing all current fed foods and beginning a strict food diet trial to identify unique protein and carbohydrate sources the pet has been previously exposed to.

Skin scraping, cytology and biopsies are common diagnostic perocedures performed to evaluate the type of cells in an abnormal area of skin or skin growth.