Dr. Radwanski is board certified in veterinary dermatology. Her expertise includes comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of allergic skin disease, ear disease, autoimmune skin disease and infectious skin disease. Dr. Radwanski performs both blood and intradermal allergy testing, skin biopsy, ear and skin cytology, skin culture, fungal culture and deep ear flushes.
What is a board certified veterinary dermatologist?
A board certified veterinary dermatologist is a doctor with advanced training and expertise in veterinary dermatology, including the diagnosis and treatment of animal skin, ear, hair and nail disorders. Board certified diplomates must complete a one year rotating internship in medicine and surgery and a three year residency program, beyond their veterinary degree. They must also meet specific training and caseload requirements and pass a rigorous exam. These doctors have training in the management of allergic skin diseases, infectious skin diseases (e.g., bacterial, fungal, viral), parasitic skin diseases, autoimmune skin diseases, cutaneous drug reactions, congenital skin diseases, and hormonal-related skin diseases.
Why see a veterinary dermatologist? What problems do you treat?
There are many possible causes of your pet's skin disease. A veterinary dermatologist has the ability to perform many specialized diagnostic procedures to diagnose your pet’s disease. One of the most common conditions a veterinary dermatologist treats is allergies. In pets, allergic skin disease most commonly affects the skin and/or ears. Allergies in your pet may be caused by environmental allergies (atopy), food allergies, or flea-bite allergies. These conditions often present to the veterinarian with signs of itching, hair loss and skin and/or ear infections.
What procedures and tests may be recommended?
A veterinary dermatologist performs Wood's lamp examination, bacterial skin/ear culture, fungal culture, skin cytology, ear cytology, allergy testing (skin testing and blood testing), food trials, skin biopsy, ear examination with a video otoscope (a small camera that is placed in the ear), deep ear flushes with a video otoscope, blood work (thyroid profile, complete blood counts, serum chemistry profile), and advanced imaging (CT scan, MRI, digital radiographs, ultrasounds) if needed.
What is the goal of the dermatology service at CARES?
The goal of the dermatology service is work with you and your local veterinarian to determine the cause of your pet's skin disease and formulate an individual treatment plan that is best for both you and your pet. This may require skin biopsy, skin culture, blood work, or allergy testing. We will do our best to perform as many diagnostic tests possible in your first visit. However, some procedures such as deep ear flushes, intradermal allergy testing, and skin biopsy may either be done later in the afternoon/evening or may need to be scheduled at a later date. Diseases affecting the skin and ears of pets are typically chronic and may require extensive follow up and continued management with either your veterinary dermatologist or primary veterinarian. It is our goal to establish an excellent line of communication with you and provide your pet with the best quality of care.
What to know in preparation of your first Dermatology Appointment:
- Please have your primary veterinarian fax your pet's medical records and referral sheet 48 hours prior to your appointment for the Dermatologist's review of your pet's medical history
- Please bring all current medications (or be able to list the medication names and dosages) including: ear medications, ear cleaners, flea prevention, heartworm prevention, antibiotics, shampoos, food labels, etc.
- Please DO NOT bathe your pet for 7 days prior to your appointment.
- Please complete the Dermatology History Form prior to your appointment. You may download this form, here, and fax it back to us at 215-750-3623. Or, you can bring it to your appointment or arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment to complete this form.
- Your initial examination with the Dermatology Service will be scheduled for 60 minutes, however, depending what your pet needs individually, your appointment may take longer than 60 minutes to complete a thorough history and dermatological examination, necessary diagnostics and client discussion. Please allow between 60-120 minutes for your initial appointment. Recheck appointments are typically scheduled for 30 minutes.
We look forward to providing your pet with the best care possible.
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