Why dermatology matters

Skin and ear problems are among the top reasons pets visit a vet. Left untreated, they can cause chronic pain, distress and repeat costs. Our vets combine advanced diagnostics, targeted therapies, and clear home care advice to give pets lasting relief.

  • Allergies: environmental (pollens, dust mites), food-related or contact allergies
  • Ear infections (otitis): bacterial, yeast, mites or secondary to allergies
  • Parasites: fleas, mites, ticks and other skin parasites
  • Chronic skin disease: atopic dermatitis, autoimmune conditions, endocrine-related skin problems

Common signs to look out for

  • Constant scratching, licking or chewing
  • Red, sore or inflamed skin
  • Bald patches, scabs or hotspots
  • Shaking head, smelly or painful ears
  • Thickened or darkened skin
  • Recurrent infections that don’t resolve with short courses

If your dog or cat shows these signs, book a consult — early treatment prevents long-term damage and reduces costs.

Our dermatology approach

  1. History & exam: detailed background, breed considerations, full skin & ear check
  2. Diagnostics: skin scrapings, cytology, ear swabs, blood tests, elimination diets, allergy testing
  3. Imaging: CT scanning or MRI for chronic ear disease or suspected tumours
  4. Treatment: tailored medical plan (antimicrobials, antifungals, immunotherapy, diet, topical care)
  5. Surgery: advanced options such as Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA) where medical care fails

Advanced ear surgery

Chronic otitis or ear canal disease can sometimes need surgery. Our surgeons (led by Philip Simon PgCert Small Animal Surgery) offer advanced soft tissue techniques including:

  • TECA (Total Ear Canal Ablation) with bulla osteotomy
  • Mass removal and reconstructive techniques
  • Pain control & aftercare tailored for long-term comfort

These are supported by CT imaging for surgical planning and accurate prognosis.

Case example: Chronic ear disease

A spaniel with recurrent otitis underwent CT to assess middle ear changes. Medical treatment was unsuccessful, so we performed a TECA-BO. The dog recovered well and is now pain-free with excellent quality of life.

Costs, insurance & ongoing care

Most dermatology investigations and surgeries are insurance claimable (policy dependent). We always provide written estimates before diagnostics or procedures.

Chronic skin & allergy management often needs ongoing care — we’ll create a realistic plan that balances comfort, cost and long-term results.

Referrals & second opinions

We accept referrals for complex dermatology and ear cases, working with specialist pathologists and radiologists when needed. We’re also happy to give second opinions if your pet has ongoing problems not resolving elsewhere.

Email: hello@yfvets.co.uk · Tel: 01423 900770

Dermatology & Ear Care FAQs

Why does my dog keep getting ear infections?

Often it’s due to underlying allergies or conformation (especially in spaniels and brachycephalic breeds). Treating the cause — not just symptoms — is key.

Can food allergies cause skin disease?

Yes. We often trial hypoallergenic or hydrolysed diets to rule out food intolerance when investigating itchy skin.

When do you recommend surgery?

If ear disease is chronic and unresponsive to medical treatment, surgery such as TECA may be the most humane option for long-term comfort.

How do you test for allergies?

We combine history, elimination diets and sometimes intradermal or blood allergy testing. Results guide tailored treatment.

Will my pet be in pain?

We use multimodal pain management including local ear treatments, oral medications and — if surgery is needed — nerve blocks, analgesics and structured aftercare.

Do you offer emergency cover?

Yes — our emergency pathway provides access to a vet on-site 24/7 via our partner hospital for sudden flare-ups or complications.

Ready to solve your pet’s skin or ear problem?

Call 01423 900770 or book online — we’ll examine your pet, run targeted tests and create a tailored treatment plan.