The diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases can be difficult and time consuming. The following are some of the common diseases effecting the skin and a brief description of their diagnosis and treatments. Hot spots are usually a result of self trauma and resulting infection that occurs as your pet tries to relieve itself from some pain or itch. Treatment includes thorough cleaning, topical and systemic antibiotics, and anti- inflammatory agents. Pyodermas vary in severity.
Treatment is similar to that for hot spots, but typically is longer term.
Shampoos and rinses are also helpful. Atopy is a very itchy skin disease which is the result of allergies to microscopic particles in the air. Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and absence of other causes such as ectoparasites. Treatment includes dietary supplements, antihistamines and steroids, and is often long term. In very refractory cases skin allergin testing and hyposensitization may be helpful.