Dermatology

We’re excited to be able to begin supporting you with dermatology cases from early 2025.

The dermatology service is led by an RCVS-Recognised Specialist and EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology and accepts referrals in all aspects of dermatology.

Our combination of expertise, experience and technology enables us to achieve rapid and accurate diagnoses, essential for selecting the most appropriate therapy. The dermatology service benefits from collaboration with the diagnostic imaging and internal medicine services to address potential underlying causes of more complex dermatology cases. We also work closely alongside our Specialist-led soft tissue surgery and neurology services in the diagnosis and management of middle and inner ear diseases.

Common conditions we manage:

  • Pruritus
  • Chronic otitis
  • Alopecia
  • Nodules
  • Pustules
  • Scaling
  • Ulcers
  • Claw/nail disease
  • Antibiotic resistant infections.

We diagnose and treat a wide range of diseases including:

  • Atopic dermatitis - A chronic, lifelong, usually pruritic skin disease which requires thorough investigation into possible flare factors and a multimodal treatment regime to address the pruritus, inflammation and microbial dysbiosis or infections.
  • Chronic ear diseases - Patients require investigation for evidence of allergic or endocrine disease. Video-otoscopy and/or MRI/CT scans may be needed to evaluate any involvement of the middle or inner ears.
  • Acral lick dermatitis - This can be very frustrating to manage and is often complicated by secondary bacterial infection. Identifying the underlying cause is necessary before implementing any therapeutic strategy.
  • Alopecia - This is a common clinical presentation of many dermatological diseases. It is important to eliminate pruritic causes of hair loss before carrying out further diagnostic investigations.
  • Anal furunculosis - A chronic progressive disease of the peri-anal tissues, this frequently affects middle-aged to older German Shepherd dogs. Immunosuppressive medical therapy is often helpful in controlling clinical signs.
  • Immune-mediated/autoimmune diseases - Diagnosis of these diseases is complex and challenging and may necessitate biopsy and specialist histological examinations.
  • Pododermatitis and claw disorders - These are frequent manifestations of underlying conditions. In addition to a thorough examination, biopsies or cytology may be necessary for diagnosis.
  • Ectoparasitoses and infectious diseases - We carry out fungal cultures and microbiological testing as well as serological testing for parasitic diseases.
  • Endocrine diseases - Hyperadrenocorticism and hypothyroidism are common examples. We utilise tests such as hormonal assays for diagnosis.
  • Intertriginous diseases - These develop at sites where frictional contact allows accumulation of secretions that promote secondary pyoderma. If the underlying aetiology is addressed, many cases can be managed medically although some may need surgical intervention.

Testimonials

What our clients say:

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Clare Cawley profile picture
Clare Cawley
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What a breath of fresh air compared to other referrals we have been in the past with previous dogs, made very welcome and put at ease by Amber and all the reception Team, Rory did an amazing job on removing a slipped disc for our Frenchie, Cammila was just amazing as I was struggling to cope with everything going on, all of the staff here are just so lovely and friendly and extremely helpful, we will be eternally grateful for helping our CoCo x
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lesley rumney
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Would highly recommend. Looked after my pet and me at an extremely stressful time.
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harry mcneil
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Northwest veterinary sevices Runcorn was from start to finish was a very pleasant experience, from the welcoming receptionist to my meeting with the vet, everything was explained thoroughly and dates set for future operations. 1st class operation and i have no worries because i know my dog is in very good hands.
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Sam Nicol
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I attended a 2hr first aid for dogs course here this week. Absolutely wonderful. Such a warm welcome, the course was very professional and the staff were lovely. We had a tour of the site which was extremely impressive, certainly an awful lot of money spent on 'state of the art' facilities including MRI, Oncology, ultrasound, multiple operating theatres and treatment rooms. Too much to list. Everyone was friendly and accommodating. They even supplied drinks and a buffet! I would feel very comfortable having my pet treated here.
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Mandy Willow
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Absolutely amazing animal.hospital such friendly staff. The hospital Is immaculate and your little or big one's are under the best Care. Just complete a first aid course which was far far superior to one I did a few years ago with a different local vets. The knowledge is fabulous and informative. Well done every single staff member we met to night from reception, the nurses, customer relations Elliott, the lady offering drinks and more all.made you feel.very welcome. Happy Veterinary nurse month you do a great job and I don't think people realise how much you all do. Thank you.
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Laserme Chester
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5 start service, excellent everyone