Dermatology

Believe it or not, people aren’t the only ones who suffer from allergies. Dogs and cats can be just as miserable as their owners although they are more likely to display allergic reactions through itching, scratching, biting, licking, hair loss, scabs, or dandruff. At Starkville Veterinary Hospital, skin issues and allergic reactions are one of the more common conditions that we see on a regular basis.

A variety of sources, such as food, flea saliva, dust, mites, plant and grass pollens, molds and fungi, can all cause allergic reactions in your pet. This results in inflammation and irritation of the skin, and possibly the development of a secondary skin infection that makes the irritation even worse. To understand what is causing an allergic reaction in your pet, Dr. Shy will perform allergy tests similar to those used for humans to determine the cause of the allergies. He will then work with you to develop a treatment protocol for your pet.

Veterinary medicine has taken great strides in alleviating the discomfort of skin ailments through medicated shampoos, topical solutions, and prescription oral medications. We also offer special diet foods at our practice in the event your pet is suffering from a food allergy.

Whatever skin ailment your pet may be afflicted with, don’t just ignore the symptoms and think that the problem will go away on its own. The skin is the largest organ of the body, and chronic skin disease can truly affect your pet’s quality of life more than anything else he may suffer.

Our veterinarian has diagnosed and treated pets suffering from allergic conditions in the Starkville, Columbus, Louisville, and West Point communities of Mississippi, and he can help your constant companion as well. If you feel your pet may be itching as a result of an allergic condition, schedule an appointment for an evaluation. The sooner your pet is examined and treated, the sooner he will return to a happy pet.