Veterinary Dermatology Diagnostics in the Chicagoland Area
Accurate diagnosis is the first step to effective treatment. Our advanced dermatology diagnostics help uncover the root cause of your pet’s skin or ear issues, so they can finally find relief.
Specialized Diagnostics for Pet Dermatologic Conditions
At Midwest Veterinary Dermatology Center, we specialize in pinpointing the cause of complex skin and ear conditions through a range of dermatology diagnostics. From skin biopsies to video otoscopy, our team uses precise, evidence-based techniques to evaluate and diagnose your pet’s condition accurately.
Serving families in Chicago, IL, and surrounding communities, our board-certified veterinary dermatologists are trained in identifying even the most elusive dermatologic disorders. Whether your pet is struggling with chronic ear infections, parasites, or an autoimmune skin disease, our advanced diagnostic services pave the way for personalized, effective treatment.
Digging Deeper:
How We Find the Cause of Your
Pet’s Skin Issues
Pet dermatology diagnostics are specialized tools and procedures used to assess skin, coat, and ear conditions. Unlike general surface examinations, these diagnostics dig deeper to detect abnormalities at the cellular and microscopic level, guiding accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
At Midwest Veterinary Dermatology Center, we offer a full suite of diagnostic services, including:
Skin Biopsy and Dermatohistopathology
A skin biopsy involves removing a small sample of affected skin tissue under local anesthesia or sedation. The sample is then analyzed through dermatohistopathology — a microscopic examination by a board-certified pathologist that is also board-certified in dermatology — to assess cellular changes and diagnose conditions such as:
- Autoimmune skin diseases
- Skin cancer and tumors
- Chronic inflammatory skin disorders
This is one of the most definitive tools for diagnosing complex or treatment-resistant skin diseases.
Trichogram (Hair Shaft Microscopy)
This non-invasive test involves examining hairs under a microscope to evaluate the hair growth cycle, detect parasites, or determine if hair is breaking due to infection or inflammation. It’s especially useful in diagnosing conditions like:
- Endocrine disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease)
- Hair loss due to self-trauma or fungal infection
Fungal Culture
To diagnose dermatophytosis (commonly known as ringworm), we may perform a fungal culture, which isolates the specific fungus responsible for the condition. This test is essential for pets with patchy hair loss or crusting that could indicate a contagious fungal infection.
Skin Scraping
Skin scraping is a quick, minimally invasive test used to detect parasites, such as mites (e.g., Demodex or Sarcoptes). A small amount of skin is scraped and examined under a microscope to confirm or rule out parasitic causes of itching, hair loss, or inflammation.
Cytology for Ear and Skin Conditions
We use cytology to evaluate skin and ear samples for the presence of bacteria, yeast, inflammatory cells, or abnormal cells. This in-clinic diagnostic provides same-day results and is critical in cases of:
- Chronic ear infections
- Hot spots and infected wounds
- Recurrent dermatitis
Video Otoscopy
For chronic or severe ear problems, we offer video otoscopy — a high-resolution, magnified look into the ear canal using a fiberoptic camera. This advanced tool allows us to:
- Visualize deep ear canal structures
- Guide deeper diagnostics and treatments
Video otoscopy is especially helpful in diagnosing chronic otitis externa, middle ear infections, and polyps.
Let’s Get to the Bottom of Your Pet’s
Skin Problems
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.