Having a pet requires a lot of care for animal health, which is why there are several specialties within veterinary medicine. Each of them studies a part of the body of our four-legged friends, helping to diagnose and treat diseases. In the case of the dermatologist veterinarian, any skin problem - such as allergies in dogs and cats, dermatitis and evenwounds - should be assessed and treated by him.

Do you know exactly what a dermatologist does? What does a veterinarian need to study to become a specialist in the field? What services does he offer and what diseases are treated by this professional? Below we tell you everything you need to know about the dermatologist for dogs and cats!

What does a veterinary dermatologist do?

The veterinarian specializing in dermatology studies, diagnoses and treats skin problems in cats and dogs. This area of veterinary medicine also covers the care of the animal's nails, ears and coat. Therefore, whenever there is any change in the pet's skin or in the mentioned regions it is important to seek the help of a professional specialized in the area.

Excessive itching in dogs and cats, compulsive licking, scaling and the presence of purulent secretion in the dermis are some symptoms that usually appear in these cases and greatly impair the animal's quality of life. So it is not something that should be ignored!

But why is a dermatologist the most appropriate professional for this? It's simple: there are a multitude of pathologies that can affect the skin of our four-legged friends. Some are easier to diagnose, others are more difficult. Regardless of the situation, it is necessary for the veterinarian to be qualified and trained to make the correct clinical analysis, intervene and promote the right treatment.recovery of the patient.

Dermatological problems are numerous and can have several different causes, requiring a deeper analysis of each condition to understand what may have triggered it. This is the main duty of the veterinary dermatologist: to investigate the case, request tests to obtain the correct diagnosis and indicate the best treatment for the pet.

How is the specialization of a dermatologist who is a veterinarian?

To specialize in a more specific area within veterinary medicine, the professional is usually advised to undertake a postgraduate course focused on the subject of his interest. It must also be recognized by the institution that is responsible for the titling. In the case of canine or feline dermatology, the title of veterinary specialist in dermatology is granted by the Society of Veterinary Dermatology.Brazilian Veterinary Dermatology (SBDV).

The professional undergoes a theoretical test and must meet a series of requirements to obtain the appointment, such as the presentation of a certificate of approval in a specialization course in dermatology recognized by the MEC and the ABDV and the certificate of completion of a Residency Program, accredited by the Federal Council of Veterinary Medicine (CFMV). All information regarding the issuance of the certificate is available on the website.title can be found on the SBDV website.

What services does the veterinary dermatologist offer?

As already mentioned, the "pet" dermatologist is primarily responsible for evaluating, diagnosing and treating skin problems in cats and dogs. It all starts at the initial consultation, when an anamnesis is performed - that is, an interview with the guardian to understand the animal's habits, the environment where he lives, animals that have contact and other information about the pet's routine. This initial conversation is already ofThis is a great help for the professional to be able to assess the possible causes behind the animal's skin problem, but he may also request complementary tests - physical and clinical - so that there are no errors.

Among some of the services that can be offered by a veterinary dermatologist, we can highlight:

• Allergy testing in dogs and cats
• Skin scraping
• Fungal and bacterial culture tests
• Cytology
• Biopsy
• Otoscopy (main way to detect canine and feline otitis)

In which cases is it necessary to go to a dermatologist for dogs or cats?

Do you know when you see your dog or cat scratching non-stop? It is at these times that you should consult a dermatologist veterinarian. Itching in cats and dogs when it happens very intensely (and even compulsively) is usually an indication that there is something wrong with the pet. It can be originated by the simple presence of parasites - such as fleas and ticks - but it can also bearising from types of dermatitis, scabies and other health problems that reflect on the skin microbiota.

Therefore, whenever you notice any changes in your dog's or cat's skin, hair, nails or ears, the suggestion is always the same: consult a veterinarian specializing in dermatology. Only he or she will be able to identify what is happening and prescribe medications and therapies that will help alleviate the symptoms and treat the situation correctly. See the signs that should turn on the alert of the dermatologist.tutor before seeking a dog or cat dermatologist:

• Intense itching;
• Redness;
• Hair loss in dogs and cats;
• Desquamation;
• Sores on the skin of the dog and cat with or without pus;
• Skin and hair discoloration;
• Presence of nodules or lumps;
• Darkening of the site;
• Sensitivity;
• Formation of scabs;
• Cat or dog licking their paws and skin non-stop;
• Presence of ectoparasites;

Canine and feline dermatologist: what diseases does the specialist treat?

1) Dermatitis

Both dermatitis in dogs and dermatitis in cats are quite common situations. There are several types of allergies that can develop in the animal organism, and therefore a thorough evaluation by a veterinary dermatologist is necessary to treat and improve the quality of life of the pet. Canine atopic dermatitis is one of the most common and has a genetic origin, being common in breeds such asOther types are contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, acral lick dermatitis and food allergy in dogs and cats.

2) Presence of parasites

Fleas and ticks can cause a lot of irritation to the skin of animals. The first signs are already quite evident: the itching in dogs and cats becomes very intense, the skin looks red and may even have wounds. That's why when your pet is infested by parasites, the recommendation is to talk to a dermatologist. The veterinarian will give all the information you need.guidelines to end the problem - remembering that it is also very important to do a strong cleaning in the environment where the animal lives to prevent new infestations.

3) Scabies

Scabies is a disease that needs a lot of attention. Just as there are different types of dermatitis, there are also several types of scabies in dogs and cats. With the exception of demodectic mange, which is hereditary, the other manifestations of the pathology are usually transmitted by the contact of a healthy animal with an infected one. Sarcoptic mange is even considered a zoonosis that alsoOtodectic mange - also known as ear scabies - only affects canines and felines. In the case of kittens, there is a fourth concern, which is notoedric mange, also known as feline scabies or cat scabies.

4) Berne

Dog ringworm is a popular term for a parasitic manifestation on the skin of dogs. Scientifically, the name of the disease is dermatobiosis and it is caused by the larvae of the fly Dermatobia hominis. The larvae invade the healthy skin tissue and feed on it for about 40 days, until they complete their cycle. After that, they leave the organism and the dog's skin is left withAn open, inflamed wound. A veterinary dermatologist is best suited to clean and remove the larvae from the skin, and prescribe medication to prevent infection and other problems.

5) Pyoderma

Canine pyoderma is an infection that affects the skin of dogs and is caused by a bacterium that naturally inhabits the organism of these animals, but which can have an exacerbated growth when the immune system is weakened. In addition to itching, the presence of lumps and pustules on the body are common in this condition. For treatment, the veterinary dermatologist usually prescribes productsantibacterial topicals and antibiotics for dog.

6) Sporotrichosis

Sporotrichosis in cats and dogs is another problem that can be treated at the dermatologist's appointment. It is a fungal disease in which the causative agent enters the animal's body through wounds or lesions on the skin, and has different evolutionary stages. Non-healing wounds, ulcerative lesions and lumps are some of the symptoms of the problem. In addition, as it evolves, the fungus willcan reach the lungs and cause respiratory symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath.

7) Feline acne and blackheads in dogs

Feline acne and blackheads in dogs are other situations that, although not as serious as other diseases, also need to be evaluated by a dermatologist. They are usually black dots that manifest themselves on the face of animals, but which can evolve into painful and uncomfortable pimples. For treatment, the specialist usually prescribes antiseptic lotions, ointments and other medications.The guidelines must be followed to the letter to get rid of acne and blackheads!

8) Skin cancer

The veterinarian specialized in dermatology also helps to diagnose skin cancer in dogs and cats. In this case, some tests such as skin scraping, cytology or biopsy should be performed. With the diagnosis confirmed, patients can be referred to a veterinary oncologist in order to start the most appropriate treatment, depending on the classification of the tumor.