Dermatology in Small Animals

Veterinary dermatology is a field that focuses on diagnosing and treating skin disorders in pets, similar to human dermatology.

It involves identifying the cause of various skin problems, such as allergies, infections, and hormonal imbalances, and developing effective treatment plans for your pet.

Aisling McGrath analysing dermatology samples through a microscope with a computer screen showing bacteria
5 star icon

5.0 Avg.

Google Icon in White circle

About Dermatology in Small Animals

Dermatology issues are common with small animals and can be a common source of discomfort for your pet. All the essential information regarding dermatology at Pear Tree Vets is below.

Happy dog travelling on a train

  • There can be a variety of symptoms associated with skin disease, which can include:

    • Scratching

    • Loss of hair

    • Inflamed red skin

    • Excessive licking

    • Sore ears

    • Dry skin

  • It is essential that we have your pets entire medical history before this appointment.

    This type of appointment can only be booked by phone, email or Whatsapp, and not via our Online Booking Service.

  • Dermatology Investigation Appointment (45 mins - 1 hour): £280

    Follow Up Appointment (20-30 mins): £140

    Any diagnostic tests are at additional an cost, and vary depending on the presenting problem and what areas are affected. Here are some commonly performed skin tests:

    Ear Cytology (Microscope Test) £35

    Skin Cytology (Microscope Test) £45

    Trichogram (Hair Pluck Test) £40

    Skin Scrape Test £40

  • There are lots of possible causes for skin disease, which can include:

    • Environmental allergies

    • Food allergies

    • Parasite

    • Hormone issues e.g. thyroid

    • Bacterial and fungal infections

    • Auto Immune Disease

    • Cancers of the skin

  • An initial dermatology consultation usually lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour. This longer duration consultation allows us to discuss in depth your pet's symptoms, history, perform a thorough examination, and also to take initial diagnostic samples if required.

    Follow up dermatology consultations last between 20 and 30 minutes, and involve reassessing your animal's progress, and deciding a plan moving forwards.

Portrait of Aisling McGrath in Pear Tree Vets Scrubs

Dr Aisling McGrath

MVB GPCert(Derm) PgC(SAD) MRCVS

Advanced Veterinary Practitioner in Small Animal Dermatology

At Pear Tree Vets, Dr Aisling McGrath leads our dermatology. She has achieved a Post Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Dermatology and is recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) as an Advanced Practicioner.

She is a member of the British Veterinary Dermatology Study Group, and also the European Society of Veterinary Dermatology.