Dermatology & Otology
The Dermatology and Otology Service at The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center offers comprehensive care for companion and equine animals with skin and ear conditions and diseases.
In this section
The Dermatology and Otology service is comprised of three, board-certified veterinary dermatologists, one resident specializing in veterinary dermatology, and two registered veterinary technicians (nurses). The team provides consultation services for all diseases affecting the skin, ears, claws, hair coat, and mucosal surfaces. Where warranted, we are able to offer timely consultation with a full range of other specialists within the Veterinary Medical Center for problems unrelated to the skin or that may be affecting other organ systems.
Hours & Appointment Scheduling
- Office hours: 8am – 5pm, Monday to Friday
- Patient visits by appointment only or as emergencies as scheduled by your veterinarian.
- For an appointment:
- Ph: (614) 292-3551 (companion animals)
- Ph: (614) 292-6661 (equine)
- After-hour emergencies: (614) 292-3551
Common Dermatologic Conditions
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Acral lick dermatitis ("lick granuloma")
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Autoimmune skin diseases
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Atopic dermatitis
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Bacterial skin infections
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Claw disorders
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Dermatophytosis ("ringworm")
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Demodicosis ("mange")
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Eosinophilic granuloma complex in cats
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Flea allergy dermatitis
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Food allergies
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Fungal skin infections
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Hormonal conditions
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Hypercortisolism ("Cushing’s syndrome)
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Hypothyroidism
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Insect Hypersensitivity
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Miliary dermatitis in cats
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Nodular skin disease
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Otitis externa and media
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Scaling disorders
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Yeast (Malassezia) skin infections
Service Highlights
Diagnosis and treatment of allergic skin disease, including intradermal (skin) and in vitro (blood/serum) allergy testing. Routine diagnostic procedures including skin scrapings, cytology and culture. Biopsy and histopathology of the skin, ears, claws and mucosa. Complete range of specialized treatments and prescription diets for treatments.
Diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the ear (pinna, external canal, middle and inner ear), including HD video otoscopy, and Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response testing (BAER)
Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) Testing
We are please to offer brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) hearing testing for puppies to evaluate for congenital deafness, as well as for adult dogs and cats with suspected acquired hearing loss.
The BAER is an objective test used to measure the animal's auditory response to sound stimulation. It is performed by attaching three small needle electrodes under the skin and placing soft foam ear inserts into the ear canal. It is rare for an animal to experience any pain from the procedure; however, some animals find the wires hanging in front of their face to be annoying.
If you are interested in BAER hearing testing for your animal, please call The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center at 614-292-3551, and ask to speak to Dr. Lynette Cole, to discuss your pets hearing, obtain a quote for the estimated costs for testing, and to set up an appointment.
What to Expect
One of our senior veterinary students will take a complete patient history and perform an initial dermatologic examination on your pet under the supervision of a staff dermatologist. Please note, that as a matter of policy and because specialized equipment is not available in all consulting rooms, the examination is performed in the dermatology treatment room and you will be asked to return to the lobby during the examination. A staff dermatologist will then complete a thorough examination. Typically, routine minor diagnostic procedures (skin cytology and scrapings and ear cytology) will also be performed at this time. It is likely to be 40-60 minutes before the staff dermatologist will speak to you about diagnosis and treatment options. Please allow 1.5-3 hours for your initial visit to our service.
Our mission is to provide you with the best diagnostic and therapeutic plan that will help control or resolve your pet’s skin or ear disease.
The experience was fantastic and the team went above and beyond to ensure Bella received the immediate treatment she needed.
Care Team
Haley Batt
Deb Crosier
Erin Waggoner
Clinical Trials
The Dermatology and Otology service is often recruiting patients for related studies for which your pet may be eligible. If you have any questions regarding your pet's eligibility, please contact the Blue Buffalo Clinical Trials Office (cvm-clinicaltrials@osu.edu).
For a listing of current trials please click here.