The Role of a Veterinary Dermatologist: When to Ask for a Referral
- Dr Simon Want BVM&S CertVD MRCVS RCVS
- Jan 12
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 13
Skin and ear disease in dogs and cats accounts for 25% of the problems presented to veterinary surgeons. They can be difficult to diagnose and manage and require time and expertise. As a previous owner of a veterinary practice, time is the biggest constraint on vets. This is where a veterinary dermatologist can help.
Many skin and ear diseases cannot be cured, but can be managed. They often require lifelong care, so client communication is paramount as both dermatologist vet and pet owner enter a journey sometimes lasting years.
It can be both frustrating and upsetting to see the effects of skin and ear disease on your pet. From scratching, biting and licking associated with skin allergies, the many ways a pet can lose its hair, to more severe diseases that may have debilitating or life-threatening consequences, a veterinary dermatologist can help navigate what can be a challenging and confusing time.
In this article we’ll discuss:
What Is a Veterinary Dermatologist?
A veterinary dermatologist holds additional qualifications relevant to veterinary dermatology.
An Advanced Practitioner in Veterinary Dermatology holds a Certificate in this discipline awarded after rigorous examination via written, oral and practical exams. In addition they must stay up-to-date and complete additional courses relevant to their chosen discipline. This is reviewed by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons every five years and a list of Advanced Practitioners is available on the Royal College website.
Find out more about the differences between a vet and a veterinary dermatologist.
Common Conditions a Veterinary Dermatologist Treats
There are numerous different skin and ear diseases that dogs and cats can get, and up to 20% of dogs and 6% of cats can have skin allergies.
The main diagnoses and problems that a veterinary dermatologist deals with include:
Dog allergies
Feline allergies
Miliary dermatitis
Head and neck itch
Alopecia due to overgrooming
Eosinophilic granuloma complex
Ear disease and infections in dogs and cats
Chronic foot problems
Alopecia - hair loss
Parasitic diseases
Skin infections
Anal furunculosis
Scaling and crusting diseases
Pigmentation changes
Erosive and ulcerative skin diseases
Immune-mediated and auto-immune skin diseases
Hormonal skin diseases
Skin cancers
A veterinary dermatologist has proven, via additional training and examination, that they have the skills to both diagnose and treat these diseases effectively. This can save both time and money and leads to a more accurate diagnosis with specialist testing and treatment options.
Diagnostic Tools and Specialist Treatments We Use
A veterinary dermatologist has access to more specialised treatments and testing depending on the issue your pet is facing. Let’s take a closer look at what Advanced Practitioners can offer.
Allergy investigation and treatment
These include:
Intradermal allergy tests and the most accurate laboratory testing
Elimination diet trials to help diagnose food allergies
Inhouse cytology to diagnose skin and ear infections
Inhouse parasite identification using diagnostic tests such as skin scrapings
Digital microscopy which allows us to show the infections or parasites to the client
Skin disease investigation
We have forged excellent relationships with some of the UK’s best veterinary dermatopathologists and laboratories. This allows for the best results from laboratory tests and skin biopsies.
Video oto-endoscopy
This specialised equipment allows:
A magnified view of the ear canal and allows for a more detailed examination of the outer and middle ear
More complete cleaning of the canal
Entry into the middle ear for cleaning, sampling and removal of debris or tissue
When available, the ability to use lasers to remove masses from the ear canal that could not be achieved otherwise
Computed tomography (CT scanning) is available via partner practices and allows advanced imaging of the ears
Laser - a surgical CO2 laser
We are proud to be only one of three veterinary dermatologists in England who can offer treatment using a surgical CO2 laser.
Main uses include the removal of:
Chronic, painful tissue from the feet and ears
Warts
Tumours and polyps
Advantages include:
Less pain
Less bleeding
Quicker recovery
Phovia® fluorescent light therapy
Specialised therapy using high intensity light and bioactive chromophore gels:
Treats skin infections - sometimes negating the use of antibiotics
Aids wound recovery
Reduces inflammation and accelerates tissue regeneration
Many vet dermatologists, including Advanced Veterinary Dermatology, will create tailored treatment plans taking you and your pet into account. Tailored plans can be formed after discussion about the disease and treatment options.
“I will take your and your pet’s lifestyles into account and can discuss the costs associated with different treatments.” Dr Simon Want BVM&S CertVD MRCVS
At Advanced Veterinary Dermatology fixed price diagnostic and treatment packages are available upon request or after discussion during a consultation. Regular checks can be scheduled to keep on top of complex issues.
When to Ask for a Referral to a Dermatologist
Sometimes a vet dermatology referral is needed to help your pet get back to their usual self.
You should seek a vet dermatology referral or book an appointment:
If your pet has recurrent skin and ear symptoms
You are unhappy with a lack of progress
Your pet has a new skin complaint and you want a quick and accurate diagnosis
Your pet has chronic infections that are failing to respond to therapy
Your pet is showing signs of pain or discomfort associated with the condition
When a diagnosis has failed to be achieved
If you are presented with limited treatment options
You or your vet have a lack of access to advanced diagnostic and therapeutic equipment
There has been a failure in communication
Most clients find a dermatologist vet after being referred by their own primary veterinary surgeon. However, you don’t have to wait for a vet referral, you can ask for a consultation or second opinion without veterinary referral. Simply contact us to find out how we can help your pet.
How a Dermatologist Works with Your Vet
Whether you have been referred by your primary vet or self-referred, a vet dermatologist will provide you with written details of your diagnosis and treatment plan at the end of the consultation.
At Advanced Veterinary Dermatology we will liaise with your own vet or send a report explaining the diagnosis and treatment. Many primary vets will then continue treatments at your home practice.
The Benefits of Advanced Dermatology Pet Care
There are many benefits to a veterinary dermatological referral, but the main reasons to seek help from one, such as Advanced Veterinary Dermatology include:
Years of experience as a veterinary dermatologist
Passion for delivering the best care and outcomes
Excellent communication with both pet owners and referring vets
Quicker, more accurate diagnosis
Advanced medical and surgical treatments
Long-term management and prevention strategies
Improvement in symptoms using the most appropriate medications
Cost effective, fixed price packages mean no unexpected surprises
Don’t Wait Too Long to Seek Specialist Help
It really is important to seek care as quickly as possible. Many conditions can become chronic and irreversible. Earlier intervention can avoid drastic surgery or life-threatening complications. At the very least your pet can return to normal more quickly, giving them the quality of life they deserve, and saving time, money and upset.
Don’t delay. Ask your vet to refer or make contact with us today.
Sources and References:
Written and Approved by:
Dr Simon Want BVM&S CertVD MRCVS
RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Veterinary Dermatology
Director of Advanced Veterinary Dermatology Ltd
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