About Us

Learn more about what we do

What we do

Here are some of the cases we see

We specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of all skin, hair, ear and nail diseases in the full range of animal species including pets, horses and farm animals. A full range of diagnostic tests are provided using state of the art facilities including intradermal testing, video-otoscopy, cytology, histopathology and cultures. Digital photography is used in many cases for record keeping and to monitor patient progress. We use the most advanced methods to treat all cases of skin, hair, ear and nail disorders in animals.

There are now hundreds of skin diseases described in dogs and cats alone. Many of these diseases are distressing for pets and also for owners and can be difficult to manage and many require lifelong management. Specialist help can be hugely beneficial in diagnosing and treating these diseases. Hilary and Christian have over 40 years of experience between them in managing skin disease.

Common diseases that we see include allergies, infections, parasitic disorders and ear problems. 

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:

Atopic Dermatitis

Food Allergies

Ear Disease

Education

In addition to providing a clinical service, we also have a strong educational role. We have close ties with the University of Glasgow Veterinary School. Final year veterinary students from the school visit us for a two day rotation in clinical dermatology and we also provide the dermatology lecture course for fourth year students.

Continuing education

In addition to undergraduate education, we also run a programme of continuing education for both vets and vet nurses that have been fun and well received. In addition to running courses at the practice, Hilary and Christian both lecture widely on veterinary dermatology.

Resident training

Training to become a dermatologist is a long and involved process. Part of this process involves undergoing a two or three year training program working with qualified dermatologists - this is the residency training program. Our resident Veronique is starting her 3rd year this year.

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.

Meet the Team

Hilary Jackson - Dermatology Specialist

Hilary Jackson

Hilary Jackson ARPS BVM&S DVD DipACVD DipECVD MRCVS Dermatology Specialist
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Peter Forsythe - Dermatology Specialist

Peter Forsythe

Peter Forsythe BVM&S DVD 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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