Dermatology (Skin)

Skin problems are common in dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets in Doha,  and can be caused by hormonal disorders, allergies, infections, or parasites such as fleas and mites. Some of these issues can be difficult to treat and should be addressed promptly.

At the Canadian Veterinary Hospital, our veterinarians can often diagnose a skin problem by simply examining your pet. Some dermatologic diseases or conditions do require additional diagnostic procedures to ensure a correct diagnosis. Depending on your pet’s symptoms and the results of our physical exam, we may run blood work or perform a urinalysis, skin scraping, fungal culture or biopsies.

In Doha, Ringworm is a very common infectious disease for cats and some dogs.  As Ringworm is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be passed to people,  it is important it be treated quickly and correctly.  If pets are treated at the first signs of the problem, their will typically suffer less lesions, and recover far faster than when they are left to develop a more generalized condition.  Please ask our veterinarians about how to keep your home and pets free from Ringworm.

Another common skin disease in Qatar is caused by mites.  There are different kinds of mites seen in our pets.  Cats are more prone to ear mites, compared to dogs.  The ear mites are not passed to people, but if left untreated can cause your cat a lot of pain and discomfort.  These mites pass very easily from one cat to the next.  Preventative treatment is both cost effective and very easy to administer.  Treating these mites takes more time and effort, but all pets should recover fully if the treatment plan is properly completed.  If the mites go away completely,  and then many months later return, it is secondary to your cat again coming in contact with a cat with ear mites.  Using preventative mediations on a monthly basis will prevent this from happening.

In dogs, demodex mites are more common.  This can result in a local or in more severe cases a more generalized infection.  The sooner the problem is correctly diagnosed and treated, the faster the coat and skin will appear normal again.  There are other less common types of mite infestations, and our veterinarians will be able to discuss these based on your pets signs and symptoms.

Contact us if you notice your dog or cat scratching excessively or if he or she develops any bare patches, scabs, scaling, redness, inflammation, lumps, or bumps.