Apex Veterinary Specialists - Dermatology

As part of our preoperative evaluations or diagnostic protocols, we offer comprehensive in-house bloodwork, including CBC and chemistry panels. These tests ensure systemic health or identify conditions (e.g., kidney/liver values) that impact anesthesia risk. Board-certified dermatologists or internists interpret results alongside physical exams to guide safe treatment planning.

We include urinalysis in our diagnostic assessments, particularly prior to surgeries or for dermatological cases with systemic concerns. Ultrasound-guided urine collection or voluntary samples are analyzed for infections, kidney function, or crystalluria. Results inform treatment for urinary tract disease and align with internal medicine support when appropriate.

Part of our standard dental and dermatological evaluations, digital radiography allows us to diagnose internal tooth structures and underlying bones. Unlike traditional x-rays, our digital technology minimizes radiation exposure and provides high-resolution images for diagnosing conditions like fractures, oral tumors, and tooth resorption. Digital integration ensures quick assessment during procedures.

While typically used for dermatological needs (such as urine collection), we occasionally employ ultrasound for soft tissue evaluation and diagnostics. For dermatology cases, our specialists use ultrasound to assess subcutaneous masses and inflammation levels, with our team led by board-certified internal medicine or dermatology experts.

We offer both intradermal and serum allergy testing to identify environmental allergens (like pollen or molds) contributing to skin or ear issues. Based on results, we prescribe allergen-specific immunotherapy (injections or oral drops) or targeted medication. Our team prioritizes testing under reversible sedatives for pet comfort and uses results to develop personalized anti-inflammatory plans, including dietary adjustments.

We regularly monitor blood pressure during anesthesia and for pets with conditions like heart disease, kidney failure, or suspected Cushing’s. Non-invasive monitors ensure patient stability by tracking blood pressure trends in real-time. Data informs anesthetic depth and dosage adjustments, reducing cardiovascular risk.

We offer advanced Cone Beam CT scans and digital dental radiography (x-rays) for comprehensive diagnosis of dental and oral conditions. These imaging tools help us detect fractured roots, cysts, tooth resorption, and early-stage tumors. X-rays are always taken during dental cleanings or procedures to ensure no hidden dental disease goes untreated, and they aid in precise treatment planning.

When necessary, we perform tooth extractions for severely fractured, decayed, or diseased teeth that cannot be saved through therapy like root canals. Our extractions involve digital x-rays for precise root visualization, ensuring no remnants of roots are left. We follow surgical extractions with meticulous wound care, antibiotics, and pain management to support optimal recovery and prevent infection.

Our specialists handle complex oral surgeries, including jaw fracture repairs (using plates, screws, splints), extraction of multi-rooted teeth, and excision of oral tumors. Procedures are performed under advanced anesthesia with monitoring by board-certified anesthesiologists. Postoperatively, we provide pain medication, soft food diets, and follow-up radiographs or videos for recovery assessment.

We diagnose and treat all stages of periodontal disease using a combination of scaling, subgingival polishing, antibiotics, and specialized gels (e.g., EFAC). Severe cases involve periodontal surgery to remove infected gum pockets and correct bone loss. Post-treatment, we emphasize a rigorous home care plan with professional-level dental brushes, antibacterial rinses, and prescription toothpaste to prevent recurrence.

We teach pet owners comprehensive at-home dental hygiene methods, including proper brushing techniques and effective pet toothpaste choices. Additional recommendations include dental diets (like Hill’s t/d) water additives, dental chews, and OraVet sealants to slow plaque formation. Daily care prevents periodontal disease and extends pets’ oral health between professional cleanings, which we typically recommend every 6–12 months depending on risk factors.

Emergency services include removal of foreign objects from the ear canal or mouth—procedures requiring sedation and specialized tools like video otoscopes. We flush ears while monitoring for trauma, and orally remove swallowed materials through gastroscopes if necessary; imaging guides our approach to avoid complications.

As part of our advanced diagnostic capabilities, ultrasound-guided cystocentesis may identify stones we remove using minimally invasive techniques such as lithotripsy or via surgical cystotomy. Pre- and post-procedural urinalysis and medications like Hill’s u/d diet or supplements prevent recurrence. Our team collaborates with internists for long-term urological cases.

Our comprehensive approach to pain management includes preemptive, multimodal therapies: from regional nerve blocks to IV pain medication and long-term oral analgesics. Board-certified pain experts customize these protocols based on surgery type (e.g., extractions vs orthopedics). We use transdermal fentanyl patches, gabapentin, and NSAIDs to ensure pets remain comfortable post-procedure.

Pet comfort is a focus during medical grooming procedures such as ear cleanings (for video otoscopy or infection control), sanitary trims (removing soiled fur around the anogenital area), and nail trims/dremeling for pets with mobility issues. All grooming is performed in a vet-safe setting, using medical-grade tools and post-care education if needed.

We offer sanitary shaves for pets with fur matting around the tail, between toes, or in anogenital areas. Precise clipping improves hygiene, reduces inflammation, and aids diagnostics. Sedation is used for anxious or medically fragile pets. All clippings are done with sterility and include pain monitoring if indicated.