A veterinary dermatologist specialises treatment and management of diseases of the skin and associated structures including the ears and claws. In addition they are trained in immunology (the science and medicine of the immune system) and histopathology (the study of the skin in health and disease at a cellular level) giving them a deeper understanding of skin diseases and their treatment. Many skin diseases affecting our pets are complex and life long. Therefore veterinarians in general practice may recommend that a dermatologist be consulted to either help make a diagnosis or manage treatment of pets with skin disease. It is rare that a skin disease can be diagnosed and successfully treated in a single consultation, so in most cases a dermatologist will continue to work with your usual veterinarian to manage ongoing skin diseases affecting your pet.
Initially your pet's skin and general disease history is reviewed including previous treatments and diagnostic tests. The possible diagnoses, diagnostic tests and costs are then discussed. Some diagnostic tests can be performed during the consultation but others may require admission of your pet. In most cases they can be discharged on the same day. A report is made to your usual veterinary surgeon to keep him/her fully informed on how your pet's skin condition is being treated and managed. Services
- Consultations, dermatologic examinations and evaluation of problem skin cases
- Diagnosis and management of allergic skin diseases
- Diagnosis and management of autoimmune diseases
- Investigation and treatment of recurrent ear diseases
- Intradermal skin testing
- Allergen specific immunotherapy
- Biopsy collection and assessment
- Second opinions of previous biopsies
- Cytology
- Skin scrapes
Dr Mike Shipstone Specialist
BVSc FACVSC DACVD
Mike graduated from Queensland University in 1984 and has worked in a number of different private practice and industry positions. In 1995 he started a residency at the Animal Skin and Allergy Clinic in Melbourne, with additional periods of study at the University of California, Davis and Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. He is principle and director of a specialist dermatology referral practice and adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Queensland.
Mike is a Fellow of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists (Veterinary Dermatology) and a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology, the only dual boarded veterinary dermatologist in Australia. He has published in Australia and overseas and has presented in Australia, South East Asia and North America |
