Stop your pet's constant scratching!!!

Does your pet lick its paws? Is your pet scratching? Does your dog have red scaly skin? Is your cat losing hair?

Want to see this smile again?!?

Our Veterinary Dermatologist, Dr. Melanie Hnot [pronounced-Knot] may be able to help you understand how! Skin diseases can be frustrating for pet owners.

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Why is Dermatology important?

 Skin is the largest organ in the body. Skin can develop bacterial and fungal infections. It can be targeted by parasites, such as fleas and mites. Even immune-mediated diseases, allergies and endocrine diseases can affect the skin. The ears are lined with skin so similar diseases can cause ear issues too.

What is a veterinary dermatologist?

Veterinary dermatologists are veterinarians with intensive training in skin and ear diseases. After veterinary school, they perform an internship and a three year dermatology residency. The dermatology residency includes seeing dermatology patients, research and teaching. Once finished with the residency, they take an exam to become a Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology.

When is a Dermatology appointment recommended?

Is your pet itchy? Do they have hair loss or other skin lesions? Are their ears red or malodorous? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, you’ve found the right place. We understand that itching and infections can be frustrating and affect the bond between you and your pet. The goal is to determine what is causing the skin lesions and itching so they can be managed. Allergies are often life-long so it’s important to formulate a short-term and long-term treatment plan.

What to expect at your Dermatology appointment?

Prior to your appointment, we recommend that you fill out a questionnaire that provides more information on your pet. At your initial appointment, your pet’s skin and ears will be examined. Samples may be taken to look for evidence of infections or parasites. The treatment plan will include treating infections as well as discussing underlying diseases that could cause you

r pet’s skin lesions. Additional diagnostics, such as bloodwork, skin biopsies, diet trial, or environmental allergy testing may be recommended.

What services does a Dermatologist provide?
Beyond bringing back the happiness?!?!

-Allergy testing! Performing prescription diet trials to see if your pet has a food allergy-Cytology: looks for cells, bacteria and yeast that may be found on the skin
-Skin scrapings: looks for evidence of mites
-Skin biopsies
-Environmental allergy testing and immunotherapy (allergy vaccine)
-Manual and video otoscopy to evaluate your pet’s ears
-CT scans and deep ear flushes under general anesthesia

Meet our Dermatologist!

Melanie Hnot VMD, MS, DACVD

Dr. Melanie Hnot is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology. She received her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania and completed a one-year small animal surgery and medicine internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital. This was followed by a one-year dermatology internship at several private practices in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She completed her dermatology residency at The Ohio State University as well as received a Master of Science degree in 2015. She became board certified in veterinary dermatology in 2015 and has enjoyed working at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital.