Pittsburgh Veterinary Dermatology

For many pet owners across Pennsylvania, navigating persistent skin issues, chronic itching, and ear problems in our beloved companions can be a source of constant worry and frustration. While our primary veterinarians are invaluable for general care, sometimes a specialized approach is needed to truly get to the root of complex dermatological conditions. This is where a dedicated practice like Pittsburgh Veterinary Dermatology in Warrendale, PA, steps in, offering advanced diagnostics and tailored treatments for pets suffering from a wide range of skin, allergy, and ear ailments.

Pittsburgh Veterinary Dermatology was founded in August 2003, specifically to address a need for specialized veterinary dermatology services in the greater Pittsburgh area. In 2006, Dr. Sandra Sargent DVM DACVD, a board-certified dermatologist and Pittsburgh native, took over the practice. She purchased it in 2008, and it remains independently owned and operated, a testament to its commitment to patient-focused care. With Dr. Detwiler DVM DACVD joining in July 2018 and Dr. McAuliffe in August 2021, the practice has continued to grow its expertise. Notably, Pittsburgh Veterinary Dermatology is currently the only specialty dermatology practice of its kind between Philadelphia, Akron, and Columbus, Ohio, underscoring its unique position and importance for pet owners in this expansive region.

As pet parents, we understand the emotional toll it takes to see our furry friends uncomfortable, constantly scratching, or losing their fur. Pittsburgh Veterinary Dermatology aims to alleviate this discomfort by providing precise diagnoses and effective treatment plans. Their team consists of specialists dedicated solely to the intricacies of animal skin, ear, and allergy conditions. This focused expertise can often provide answers and solutions where general veterinary visits might have fallen short, ultimately leading to a better quality of life for your pet and greater peace of mind for you.

• Intradermal Skin Testing and Serologic IgE-Specific Allergy Assays: These advanced tests help identify specific environmental allergens that may be causing your pet's allergic reactions.
• Hyposensitization Vaccine Design: Based on allergy test results, customized vaccines (allergy shots) can be formulated to desensitize your pet to identified allergens, providing long-term relief.
• Skin Biopsy: For cases requiring more in-depth analysis, skin biopsies are performed and sent for dermatohistopathology slide reviews, aiding in the diagnosis of complex skin diseases.
• In-House Cytology: Quick and efficient examination of skin samples (impression smears and fine needle aspirates) under a microscope for immediate diagnostic insights, such as identifying bacterial or yeast infections.
• DTM Culture, Woods Lamp Examinations, and Trichographic Exams: Diagnostic tools used to identify fungal infections (like ringworm) and analyze hair shaft abnormalities related to various skin disorders.
• Ear Cleaning and Management Consulting: Specialized cleaning and long-term management plans for chronic or severe ear infections, which are often linked to underlying allergies.
• Video Otoscopy: An advanced diagnostic procedure using a small camera to visualize the ear canal and eardrum, allowing for precise diagnosis and treatment of deep ear issues.
• CO2 Laser Procedures: Used for various dermatological surgeries, offering precision and reduced pain and bleeding for certain conditions.
• CT of Middle Ear: Offered in partnership with PetsDx, this advanced imaging technology provides highly detailed images of the inner ears, crucial for diagnosing complex or chronic ear diseases.
• Skin Scrapings and Mite Identifications: Essential for diagnosing parasitic infestations such as mange.
• Clinical Pathology Testing: Additional blood work and other lab tests as needed to assess overall health and identify systemic issues contributing to dermatological problems.

• Specialized Expertise: Their team consists of board-certified veterinary dermatologists, highly trained in diagnosing and treating complex skin, allergy, and ear conditions that general practitioners might find challenging. This specialized knowledge is a major draw for pet parents seeking definitive answers and effective solutions.
• Thorough Diagnostic Approach: As highlighted by client experiences, the doctors are committed to taking samples, performing necessary blood tests, and conducting comprehensive examinations to accurately identify the root cause of issues, leading to targeted and effective treatments.
• Designed for Pet Comfort: As of May 2024, they've moved into a new hospital designed with your pet's comfort in mind. This includes warm, soothing colors, low noise levels in the waiting area, a dedicated cat-only room with calming pheromones, and spacious exam rooms for dogs to reduce stress.
• Advanced Technology: The new facility includes a CT scanner specifically designed for detailed imaging of the inner ears of dogs and cats, enhancing their video otoscopy procedures and diagnostic capabilities for ear conditions.
• Long-Term Relief Focused: For conditions like allergies, they aim for long-term solutions, such as allergy testing and hyposensitization vaccines, which can save pet owners significant time, money, and frustration compared to recurring short-term treatments.
• Responsive and Compassionate Staff (based on positive feedback): While there can be a wait for appointments due to their specialized nature, many clients praise the staff, including Dr. Detwiler, Sarah, and Amber, for their care, support, and dedication. They are acknowledged for effectively taking care of pets and providing valuable guidance.
• Referral-Based Practice: They require a referral from your primary care veterinarian, ensuring that pets coming to them are indeed in need of specialized dermatological attention, which streamlines the diagnostic process.

While securing an appointment might require a wait, as is common with specialist practices, the consensus among many satisfied clients is that the wait is "well worth it." This is attributed to the thorough diagnostic process, the precise identification of issues that may have gone undiagnosed elsewhere, and the formulation of long-term treatment plans that genuinely improve a pet's quality of life. The commitment to finding exact causes, rather than just treating symptoms, can save pet owners considerable time, money, and emotional distress in the long run.

Furthermore, the newly designed hospital environment, with its emphasis on reducing pet anxiety and incorporating advanced diagnostic tools like the CT scanner for ear conditions, demonstrates a deep understanding of patient comfort and cutting-edge care. For any Pennsylvania resident whose pet is suffering from chronic itching, hair loss, recurring ear infections, or other dermatological mysteries, Pittsburgh Veterinary Dermatology offers the specialized knowledge, advanced technology, and focused approach needed to bring relief and improve their beloved companion's well-being. It is precisely this dedication to advanced, targeted care that makes Pittsburgh Veterinary Dermatology an invaluable and highly recommended choice for local pet families.

Pittsburgh Veterinary Dermatology

801 Commonwealth Dr, Warrendale, PA 15086, USA