Dermatology

Dermatology is the study of the skin. Cats and dogs are commonly presented with abnormalities of the skin or coat, including excessive itching, self-trauma, hair loss or changes in coat or skin colour. We examine a great variety of complex cases; allergic animals make up the bulk of our workload but we also regularly see immune-mediated skin diseases such as pemphigus, bacterial disease, endocrinopathies and congenital problems.

During an initial consultation, examination of the skin including microscopic examination of skin scrapings, plucked hairs and possibly samples from pustules or other skin lesions will be performed while you wait, sometimes giving you an answer immediately. Occasionally patients will be admitted for further investigation such as blood tests, intradermal allergy testing or skin biopsies. Often, in the best interests of your pet, investigations may need to be split into different stages, especially if the patient needs to be fed a specific diet prior to further investigations, but we always try to minimize the inconvenience to your normal routine by sensible scheduling of appointments and re-examinations.

If you are coming to see the dermatologist at North Kent Referrals we will discuss with you the options available to best solve your pet's skin problems.

Our dermatologists are:

Rachel Sant BVetMed CertVD CertSAM MACVSc MRCVS

Vanessa Schmidt BVSc(Hons) CertVD MRCVS

John H C Hutt BVSc(Hons) BA(Open) CertVD MACVSc MRCVS