About Us

Experts in the field of dermatology

Specialist-led, comprehensive and compassionate care

We’re The Dermatology Referral Service and our experienced and friendly team specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of all skin, hair, ear and nail diseases in dogs, cats and horses.

There are now hundreds of skin diseases described in dogs and cats alone with many of them proving a challenge to diagnose and treat quickly and effectively. With over 50 years combined experience, our specialists have the skills and knowledge required to ensure pets receive the care they need and to get to the root of the problem.

We can accept all dermatological cases from the straightforward to the more complex and our service includes:

  • Cytology reading
  • Allergy work up including skin testing
  • Ear work up including video-otoscopy / ear flush
  • Laser surgery

At our state-of-the-art centre, we have advanced equipment which helps our team provide excellent and efficient care. This includes:

  • Intradermal testing
  • Video-otoscopy
  • Cytology
  • Histopathology and cultures
  • Digital photography
  • CO2 Laser

We can now offer CO2 laser surgery

Laser surgery uses an intense beam of laser which vaporizes  or “erases” unhealthy tissue. It is very precise and can selectively remove only a few cells at a time. The laser seals nerve endings and so patients are much more comfortable after surgery. There is much less post-operative swelling compared to tradional surgical methods. Less pain and swelling promotes a quicker recovery. Less bleeding simplifies surgery and reduces the need for anaesthesia. Laser reduces the risk of infection. 

Laser surgery is particularly useful in dermatology and has enabled us to treat cases that would otherwise be unresponsive to medical therapy. An example is the removal of infected tail gland tissue. The photos below are of a six year old Gordon setter that had had an infected tail gland for a very prolonged period (years). She had to wear a buster collar to prevent her biting at the lesion. Although prolonged antibiotic therapy helped to reduce the size of the lesion, deep fibrosis remained and she continued to lick at the area. With the CO2 laser we were able to remove the lesion and the wound healed uneventfully. Five months on, there has been no recurrence and she no longer needs to wear the collar.

  

Please click on the following links to see the sorts of cases that we manage:

Meet the Team

Hilary Jackson - Dermatology Specialist

Hilary Jackson

Hilary Jackson ARPS BVM&S DVD DipACVD DipECVD MRCVS Dermatology Specialist
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Christian Ortalda - Dermatology Specialist

Christian Ortalda

Christian Ortalda DVM Dip ECVD, EBVS Dermatology Specialist
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Veronique Dembele - Dermatology Resident

Veronique Dembele

Veronique Dembele DVM MRCVS Dermatology Resident
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For Pet Owners

For Pet Owners

Why consider a referral? What's involved? And more...

For Veterinary Surgeons

For Veterinary Surgeons

Find out more about referring clients to us.