Veterinary Dermatology
Melbourne’s Veterinary Dermatology Specialists
At MVSC, Animal Skin and Ear Specialists, the dermatologists are dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and management of skin diseases in all species of animals. We accept referrals for a wide range of skin related problems, including itchy skin (with or without visible disease), ear problems, nail disease and any kind of lesions or rashes on the skin, nose, mucous membranes and paws.
MVSC has three specialist veterinary dermatologists — Dr Rebecca Bassett, Dr David Robson, and Dr Nicola Martinez along with two dermatology residents – Dr Madelaine Guy-Moore and Dr Tian Chee Lu. Together they have more than 50 years of experience in referral dermatology. Our dermatologists and residents are supported by a dedicated team of dermatology nurses who have a high level of training in veterinary dermatological nursing and are very caring and experienced. They each have a passion for helping animals and strive to offer the best care for their patients.
Our dermatology service also prepares and distributes allergy vaccines. These allergy vaccines are not only prescribed to patients of the centre but also to other specialist practices around Australia.
Key Procedures
We provide up‑to‑date, specialist expertise in the diagnosis and management of skin diseases. Our dermatology team takes time to thoroughly discuss diagnostic and treatment options with every client, ensuring the most appropriate and individualised care plan for each patient. Ongoing communication outside of consultations is an important part of our service, helping owners feel supported throughout their pet’s treatment journey.
We accept referrals for all skin conditions. Some of the more common conditions we manage include:
Atopic Dermatitis (Atopy)
Atopic dermatitis is the most common skin disease seen in veterinary dermatology and is similar to eczema in people. Pets can be allergic to pollens, dust mites, mould spores and insects. Common signs include persistent itching, scratching, biting, chewing or licking of the skin, scooting, and recurrent ear infections.
At MVSC, we perform intradermal skin allergy testing (similar to skin‑prick testing in humans). In some cases, blood allergy testing (Heska Allercept® test) may also be used. When allergen avoidance is not possible, we can formulate a personalised allergen‑specific immunotherapy (allergy vaccine) based on test results. This treatment aims to control allergic disease, minimise or eliminate the need for medications, and reduce or prevent relapses.
Bee and Wasp Allergies
Insect sting allergies, most commonly from bees, can be life‑threatening. Our team diagnoses and treats these reactions using desensitisation injections, which are highly successful in preventing repeat severe allergic reactions.
Ear Disease and Ear Infections
Ear infections are painful and, if not treated correctly, can cause permanent damage to the ear canals. Our dermatologists use specialised equipment including video otoscopy, MRI, CT, and hearing assessment tools to accurately diagnose and manage ear conditions. We also have extensive experience managing chronic ear disease medically, often helping to avoid the need for surgery.
Nail Disorders
Nail problems such as splitting, deformity, pain, or nail loss can have many underlying causes. Our dermatologists are experienced in diagnosing nail and nail‑bed diseases and, when necessary, performing targeted nail biopsies that avoid digit amputation. Many nail conditions can be fully resolved or effectively controlled with appropriate treatment.
Immune‑Mediated Skin Diseases
Immune‑mediated conditions affecting the skin, nails, or nose are less common but require specialist expertise for accurate diagnosis and long‑term management. These diseases may cause crusting, pigment loss, or lesions involving the nose, eyes, lips, gums, nails, and skin. With correct diagnosis and specialist care, most patients can live a comfortable and relatively normal life.
Bacterial and Fungal Infections
Skin infections may affect the skin, nails, or nose and often occur secondary to underlying conditions such as allergies or immune suppression. Our dermatologists routinely perform cytology (microscopic examination) and other diagnostic tests to identify infections, guide targeted treatment, and prevent recurrence.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancers may present as discrete lumps or as more diffuse lesions that can sometimes resemble infection. Once an accurate diagnosis is made, treatment options may include medications and, in selected cases, CO₂ laser therapy for specific lesions.
Equine Dermatology Consultations
With prior arrangement, our dermatologists are also available for in‑person horse consultations at Southeastern Animal Equine Hospital.
Equipment & Technology
Our dermatology service is supported by advanced diagnostic and treatment equipment, allowing our specialists to deliver precise diagnoses and minimally invasive, effective care.
Specialised Dermatology Equipment
Our facilities include:
Ear Disease
We use a high‑end video otoscope that provides magnified, detailed visualisation of the external ear canal. This allows our dermatologists to thoroughly examine and clean the ear canal, as well as remove superficial masses and polyps with precision. The CO₂ laser is frequently used to remove ear canal polyps or tumours, often avoiding the need for larger, more invasive surgical procedures and significantly improving patient comfort and recovery.
Skin and Foot Disease
The CO₂ laser is widely used in dermatology to remove superficial skin tumours and to ablate cysts and lesions between the toes. Laser procedures are associated with reduced pain, minimal bleeding, and faster healing compared to traditional “cold steel” surgery.
Advanced Biopsy Techniques
Our dermatologists use specialised techniques when performing skin, nasal, and nail biopsies. Their expertise maximises the likelihood of obtaining a definitive diagnosis from biopsy samples, an area that can otherwise be challenging or inconclusive.
In‑House Histopathology
Our dermatologists also perform their own histopathological examinations, assessing biopsy samples under the microscope. This provides a significant advantage, as clinical signs can be interpreted alongside microscopic findings to reach a more accurate diagnosis.
This integrated approach is crucial for selecting the most appropriate treatment and achieving optimal patient outcomes. In addition, MVSC dermatologists accept biopsy samples from referring veterinarians, offering valuable clinical insight and specialist interpretation for complex skin diseases.
Preparing For Your Consultation
What to Expect from a Dermatology Consultation
Our dermatology consultations are designed to be thorough, informative, and collaborative, ensuring the best possible outcome for your pet.
Appointment Length
These appointments include a detailed face‑to‑face discussion, in‑house diagnostic testing (such as cytology using a microscope), and preparation of a comprehensive written report, which is emailed to you and your referring veterinarian. We endeavour to start consultations on time, so we ask that you arrive just before your scheduled appointment.
Preparation for Your Appointment
If there is a possibility that your pet may require a procedure on the day of the consultation, it is recommended that your pet be fasted. While some procedures can be performed on the same day, this is not always possible and depends on the type of procedure and the time of your appointment.
During the Consultation
After a thorough physical and dermatological examination, the dermatologist will usually collect samples from affected areas of the skin or ears. These samples are examined immediately under the microscope, allowing findings and treatment recommendations to be discussed with you during the consultation.
After the Consultation
A detailed written report is provided to both you and your referring veterinarian. If you have any questions or concerns after reviewing the report, our dermatology nurses are available to assist and, if needed, will seek further advice from our veterinary dermatologists.
Our Approach
Our primary goal is to identify the underlying cause of your pet’s condition and treat it appropriately. We focus on accurate diagnosis and targeted therapy, rather than relying on medications that only suppress symptoms without addressing the root cause.