Many skin conditions look the same on the surface. This is why, with most skin cases, your vet will take samples of the skin to look at under the microscope and may send some off to the laboratory.

Lucy is a great example of this. She had been initially treated with medication designed to reduce the irritation but then had gone through periods of getting better and worse.

When she came to the Veterinary Centre it was not possible to tell what was wrong with her skin just by looking.

Microscopic examination showed a mild infection, but the key was to send a sample off to the laboratory to ensure she didn’t have fungal disease. Sure enough, Lucy had an unusual and severe type of ringworm that affected her but not only her, anyone around her. The inhouse test we used (looking at the fur under UV light) had been negative and so getting the laboratory sample had been vital to her diagnosis.

Lucy was then started on an appropriate medication for her condition and is now a much happier dog. Even though her hair loss and skin colour changes are permanent, Lucy is now recovering well and living in comfort.

Skin conditions can be ongoing and frustrating and developing a team approach between pet, owner and veterinarian is key.