Treatment for Complex Endocrine Skin Disorders in the Chicagoland Area
Some skin conditions go deeper than the surface. Our expert team diagnoses and manages complex autoimmune skin diseases and endocrine skin disorders — giving your pet the specialty care they need for long-term relief.
Diagnosing and Treating Autoimmune and Endocrine Skin Diseases
At Midwest Veterinary Dermatology Center, we provide advanced care for pets suffering from less common but serious skin conditions related to the immune or endocrine system. These include diseases like pemphigus, lupus, hypothyroidism, and Cushing’s disease, all of which can cause significant skin changes and discomfort.
Our board-certified veterinary dermatologist has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating autoimmune skin disease, endocrine skin disorders, and cutaneous manifestations of internal disease.
What Are Autoimmune and Endocrine Skin Disorders?
Some skin problems in pets are not caused by external irritants, such as allergies or infections, but rather by dysfunctions in the immune or hormonal systems. These internal imbalances can lead to persistent skin lesions, hair loss, crusting, and even ulceration.
Common Autoimmune Skin Diseases in Pets
- Pemphigus Foliaceus: One of the most common autoimmune skin diseases in dogs and cats; presents with crusty lesions, especially on the face and paws.
- Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE): Causes depigmentation, ulceration, and crusting around the nose and facial areas.
- Vasculitis and Other Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases: May cause ulcerations, swelling, or necrosis of the skin.
Common Endocrine Skin Disorders in Pets
- Hypothyroidism (Dogs): Can cause dry, flaky skin, hair thinning, and susceptibility to infections.
- Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism): Often presents with thinning skin, hair loss, and increased risk of bruising or infection.
- Diabetes and Other Hormonal Conditions: Can lead to skin changes or complicate the healing of wounds and infections.
Many of these conditions also cause cutaneous manifestations of internal disease — meaning visible skin symptoms that signal deeper, systemic problems.
How We Diagnose These
Complex Skin Conditions
Diagnosing autoimmune and endocrine skin diseases requires precision and expertise. Our dermatology team uses a comprehensive diagnostic approach that may include:
Accurate diagnosis is crucial to ensure proper treatment and avoid unnecessary medications or delayed care.
Long-Term Treatment and
Management Plans
Once a diagnosis is confirmed, we develop an individualized treatment plan based on your pet’s specific condition, overall health, and lifestyle. Treatment strategies may include:
Our dermatologists are committed to not only treating the symptoms but also managing your pet’s condition for the long term — helping them maintain the best possible quality of life.
Set Up a Visit for Advanced Skin
Disorder Treatment
When your pet’s skin or ears are causing concern, trust the team at Midwest Veterinary Dermatology Center to get to the root of the issue with precision and care. Our advanced diagnostics help guide targeted, effective treatments that can transform your pet’s quality of life.