Dermatology
Our Expertise
The Dermatology Service is a full-time specialty service for the investigation and management of skin disease, allergy and ear disease in all animal species. We accept patients from throughout Louisiana and neighboring states.
Evaluations of new dog and cat patients are made by appointment, Tuesday through Thursday, and recheck appointments are available Tuesday through Friday. Evaluations of large animals, birds, pocket pets, and exotic species are performed in cooperation with other receiving services in the LSU VTH.
Our practice functions as part of the LSU VTH, meaning that each of our patients is evaluated by a team. The team is comprised of veterinary students, dermatology residents, dermatology technicians and faculty members. After an initial examination, our students and dermatologists provide each animal’s owner with a tentative diagnosis as well as a plan for further testing. Our goal is to assist pet owners and primary care veterinarians in understanding the root cause of the animal’s skin problem and to then formulate a satisfactory management plan.
Services
Diseases and Skin Issues
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Diagnosis and management of skin diseases in all species including:
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Resistant infections of the ears and skin
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Allergic skin disease
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Deep and superficial cutaneous fungal infections
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Hair loss (alopecia)
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Itching and inflammation
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Chronic and severe skin and ear disease
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Immune-mediated skin disease
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Endocrine diseases
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Claw, nailbed and pad diseases
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Skin manifestations of internal disease
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Lick granulomas
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Testing and Services
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We provide the most current and advanced care for our patients due to our expertise and the availability of specialized equipment and techniques. This includes:
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Allergic skin and ear disease
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Intradermal allergy testing
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In-vitro blood allergy testing
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Allergen specific immunotherapy
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Rush immunotherapy
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Injectable immunotherapy
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Sublingual immunotherapy
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Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser removal of small skin and ear masses
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Workup and management of chronic ear disease
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Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation
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Video-guided otoscopy
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Deep ear flushing
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Polypectomy
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Myringotomy
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Middle ear culture and drainage
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Ear canal biopsy
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Skin biopsies
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In-house biopsy services
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Dermatopathology consultation
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In-house culture facilities
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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
The Veterinary Teaching Hospital offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a treatment modality through the Dermatology and Integrative Medicine Services. Hyperbaric oxygen has been used worldwide for decades (even centuries) in human medicine and its use on veterinary patients is only increasing. Although limited in availability, it is being offered more frequently in the last decade in both veterinary private practices as well as academic settings.
What to Expect
- We work as a team with your primary care veterinarian to create an optimal treatment plan for your animal companion, and we share information about your pet’s status, conditions, and treatment with both you and your veterinarian.
- A referral from a veterinarian is not required, but please call your veterinarian and have them send over your pet’s medical records and any recent diagnostic results (bloodwork, biopsy, culture, radiographs, etc.).
- You will be given a questionnaire upon arrival for your appointment. Please fill this out—it includes important information that may help the dermatology team in the management of your pet.
- If it is possible, please do not feed your pet the morning of the appointment in case sedation or anesthesia is needed. Always allow access to fresh water.
- Because we are a teaching hospital, you will be greeted by a student who will get a thorough history of your pet. The student will then have you return to the waiting room while your pet is taken into the hospital and evaluated by our veterinary team. This may include minor diagnostics (e.g. skin scrapings, cytology).
- The first appointment may take up to two hours for the exam and consultation. You may be able to leave during your pet’s evaluation but please do not do so without informing the dermatology service and leaving a number at which you can be reached. We will not be able to proceed with any treatment without your consent.
- Once the assessment is complete, the veterinarian and student will return to talk to you about their findings and recommendations.
Faculty and Staff
Faculty
Cherie Pucheu-Haston
DVM (LSU 1992), PhD, DACVD
Professor of Veterinary Dermatology
Resident
Chi-Yen Wu, DVM
Veterinary Technician
Lisa Roundtree