Malassezia pachydermatis is a saprophytic yeast that is commonly found on normal and abnormal skin.  It is often difficult to ascertain if yeast organisms found on comprised skin are a primary contributor (yeast hypersensitivity) to the clinical lesions present or if they are, merely, secondary...

House dust mites are microscopic and ubiquitous. They feed on human and animal dander, skin scales, and hair. They are frequently found in beds, mattresses, carpets, sofas, and pet bedding. Mites flourish in the home environment because the temperature and humidity are optimal for their survival (50...

This is an inflammatory condition affecting the sebaceous glands of the skin.    Clinical Findings Alopecia (hair loss) and scaling of the skin Bilaterally symmetrical, heavy adherent scale on the dorsum of the body including the head and the extremities (silver-white scale encases tu...

Food allergy is a relatively uncommon problem in the dog and only accounts for approximately 3 to 15 percent of all allergies in dogs. Feline food allergy tends to be more common and has been reported to account for up to 40 percent of all allergy cases in cats. Food allergies can develop in animal...

Dermatophytosis (Microsporum canis, M. gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes) is a cutaneous (skin) infection with one of several keratinophilic species of fungi. Transmission is by direct contact or contact with infected hairs and scale in the environment. Infected hairs in the environment may...

Demodicosis is an inflammatory parasitic disease characterized by the presence of greater than normal numbers of demodex mites in the hair follicles and on the skin. The reason for this proliferation is poorly understood but a genetic defect in the T-cell portion of the immune system is suspected.&n...

Bacterial infections (pyoderma, folliculitis, furunculosis) of the skin and hair follicles are very common problems in the dog. These lesions often represent an infection or “over colonization” of the skin by Staphylococcus sp.   Bacterial infections often manifest in a characteris...

Medications commonly used for treating itchiness (pruritus) * Any medication (prescription or over-the-counter) should only be given if by the direction and supervision of a veterinarian! Do not give these to your pet unless recommended by your veterinarian. Prescription Medications Hydrox...