Copyright 2003 Fine Art Pet Portraits by Peggy Huff

Dermatology (Back to Top) Skin disease is very prevalent in cats and dogs. The warm weather, abundant plant life, and the many types of insects found in Florida all contribute to the skin problems we see in our patients. Animals,  like people, can develop allergies to mold, dust mites, pollen and food. One of the most common allergies we see in both cats and dogs is flea allergy dermatitis. The clinical signs associated  with allergic skin disease can include chewing or licking at feet, severe pruritus (itching), red and inflamed ears and bacterial and yeast infections. Treatment for allergic skin disease often involves several medications, which can include Flea and Tick preventative, antibiotics, antihistamines, special diets, medicated shampoos, steroids, and allergy vaccines. With a thorough exam, history, and work-up we can diagnose many skin problems and successfully treat and control the clinical signs in our veterinary patients.

Microchipping (Back to Top)
Now you can easily protect your loved ones before it's too late. Permanent identification is provided by a tiny microchip that is implanted quickly & safely in your dog or cat. It is so tiny that it fits through a hypodermic needle. Just like a vaccination, it is injected under the skin of your pet. If your pet ever gets lost, any shelter or veterinarian can use a hand held scanner & read the microchip's information. The registered microchip will trace your pet back to you within minutes. The procedure only takes a few minutes to do & you can even be with your pet when we inject the microchip.

Allergy Testing(Back to Top)
For those pets that have year-round allergy problems or clinical signs that do not respond to standard therapy, we recommend allergy testing. With a simple blood test, we can determine what types of pollen, molds, weed, grass or environmental allergens your pet is sensitive to. With that information, we then develop a plan to:

1. Reduce exposure (if possible)
2. Change environment (example change bedding)
3. Desensitize your pet by having a vaccine made especially for him or her.

Allergy testing can be affected by medication, especially steroids, like Prednisone and Depo-medrol. We need to have your pet off of steroid medication several months prior to testing.

Laser Surgery(Back to Top)
Did you know that most surgical procedures can be performed with a laser. This new technology provides the best possible care for your pet.  Laser surgery greatly lessons the discomfort to pets undergoing surgery. There are many different kinds of lasers, and  are classified according to the wavelength of the light beam that is generated. We use the C02 laser in pets; this laser allows us to precisely control how much tissue is removed and thereby minimize damage to surrounding areas.

• Patients experience less pain post-operatively because laser seals the nerve endings.
• Little or no blood loss, during surgery because the laser seals small blood vessels
• There is less post-operative swelling, because the laser seals lymphatic vessels, cuts very precisely, and causes very little trauma to healthy tissues.
• The laser may allow fewer sutures or eliminate the need for sutures
• The results are faster recovery, less chance of infection and an overall more pleasant experience for your pet.