Pruritus and allergies
Chronic or recurrent itching, allergic skin diseases, seasonal flare-ups and recurrent infections.
Veterinary dermatology for dogs and cats in Nitra
Skin and ear diseases deserve a systematic approach.
Specialised dermatology consultations for dogs and cats focused on the diagnosis and long-term management of skin and ear diseases.
My clinical practice is dedicated exclusively to veterinary dermatology. I examine patients with acute and chronic skin conditions, pruritus, recurrent skin infections, ear canal inflammation, alopecia, allergic diseases and other dermatological problems.
Dermatology consultations are available by appointment only.
Why a dermatology consultation?
Veterinary dermatology is not only about suppressing symptoms.
Veterinary dermatology is a field of veterinary medicine focused on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the skin, coat, claws and ears.
Many patients are referred only after months or years of recurring problems. A specialised dermatology consultation helps to identify the underlying cause systematically and establish a long-term solution instead of repeatedly suppressing symptoms.
About me
MVDr. Monika Hattasová
I am a veterinarian focused on dermatology in dogs and cats.
My goal is to help patients with skin and ear problems identify the cause of their condition and set up treatment that is effective, sustainable in the long term and as safe as possible.
Dermatology is the sole focus of my clinical practice. Every week, I examine patients with both straightforward and highly complex skin diseases that require systematic diagnostics and long-term management.
In recent years, I have pursued focused continuing education in veterinary dermatology. I attend professional externships, dermatology congresses, workshops and practical courses in Slovakia and abroad. I am a member of the Slovak Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons and the European Society of Veterinary Dermatology (ESVD).
Collaboration with MVDr. Lucia Panáková. Since September 2023, I have been regularly visiting MVDr. Lucia Panáková, Dipl. ECVD, and collaborating with her on complex dermatological cases.
I believe that successful dermatology is not only about prescribing medication, but above all about understanding the cause of the disease and working closely with the patient's owner.
Commonly treated conditions
How can I help?
A consultation is suitable for acute, chronic and recurrent skin and ear problems.
Skin, coat and claws
Hair loss, abnormal coat growth, crusts, erosions, ulcers, oozing lesions and claw disorders.
Ears and paws
Chronic otitis externa, paw and interdigital conditions, and pododermatitis.
Skin infections
Recurrent bacterial or yeast infections of the skin, including investigation of underlying causes.
Immune-mediated diseases
Autoimmune and immune-mediated dermatoses requiring targeted diagnostics and long-term management.
Skin masses
Skin lesions suitable for cytological examination or biopsy, with sampling for further diagnostics.
For pet owners
Similar symptoms can have different causes.
Skin diseases in dogs and cats are often challenging to diagnose. The skin can react similarly to different conditions, with itching, redness, crusts, scaling, hair loss, inflammation or recurrent infections. However, similar symptoms can be caused by several different underlying conditions.
A detailed medical history is therefore very important for an accurate diagnosis. During the consultation, I will ask about the development of the problem, previous treatment, response to medication, diet, parasite prevention, environment, seasonality of symptoms and other information that may help narrow down the list of possible causes.
A dermatological examination includes a thorough assessment of the skin, coat, claws and ear canals. Depending on the patient's needs, simple diagnostic tests may be added, such as cytology, skin scrapings, trichogram, hair examination, ear swabs or collection of material for further laboratory testing.
In chronic diseases, such as allergies, the goal may not be a one-time “cure”, but long-term disease control. My aim is to achieve the best possible quality of life for the patient with the lowest possible risk of adverse effects from treatment.
What happens during the first visit?
Please allow approximately 90 to 120 minutes for the initial consultation.
This time is needed for a detailed discussion, examination of the patient, basic diagnostics and explanation of the next steps.
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01
Detailed medical history
We begin by reviewing the course of the condition so far. During this discussion, the patient also has time to become familiar with the new environment.
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02
Examination of the patient
I will then examine the skin, coat, paws, claws and, if needed, the ear canals.
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03
Basic diagnostics
Most basic samples are collected gently from the surface, for example by impression smear, adhesive tape, a superficial scraping or an ear swab. These tests are well tolerated by most patients and do not require sedation.
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04
Plan for the next steps
After the examination, we will discuss the preliminary diagnoses, treatment options and next steps. The owner will receive a written medical report with recommendations.
Dermatological diagnostics are often a process.
It is not always possible to establish a definitive diagnosis during the first visit. Some conditions require the gradual exclusion of possible causes, additional tests or monitoring of the response to treatment. The aim is to identify the true cause of the problem, not merely suppress its signs temporarily.
What should you bring?
Please prepare any available information about previous treatment.
- available medical records
- results of previous tests
- a list of medications, shampoos, ear drops and supplements the patient has received or is currently receiving
- information about food and treats
- information about parasite prevention
- photographs showing the development of the skin changes, if available
If the patient has previously received repeated courses of antibiotics, corticosteroids, anti-pruritic medication or ear preparations, this information is particularly important for the dermatology consultation.
For referring veterinarians
Complementing your care for the patient.
Patients may be referred for a dermatology consultation in cases of chronic, recurrent or complicated skin and ear diseases.
A consultation is particularly suitable for patients with pruritus, recurrent skin infections, chronic otitis, alopecia, pododermatitis, suspected allergic disease, immune-mediated dermatoses or conditions that have not responded adequately to previous therapy.
The dermatology consultation is intended to complement your care for the patient, not replace it. The referring veterinarian remains the patient's primary veterinarian. After the consultation, the owner receives a written medical report including findings, diagnoses, treatment and a follow-up plan. Direct communication with the referring veterinarian is also possible when needed.
When referring a patient, it is helpful for the owner to bring available medical records, results of previous tests, information about previous treatment and, if available, photographs documenting the development of the skin changes.
Please feel free to contact me in advance if you are unsure whether a specific patient is suitable for a dermatology consultation.
Pricing
Transparent consultation fees
The extent of diagnostics is always tailored to the individual patient.
Dermatology consultation for a new patient
Detailed medical history, clinical and dermatological examination, and a proposed plan for further management.
Follow-up dermatology consultation up to 30 minutes
Follow-up dermatology consultation up to 60 minutes
Telephone or online follow-up for an existing patient
Fees do not include medication, laboratory tests, anaesthesia, video-otoscopy procedures or other services beyond the scope of the basic dermatology consultation. For referred patients and more complicated cases, the extent of the examination and diagnostics may be adjusted individually according to the patient's condition.
Frequently asked questions
What is useful to know before your visit?
Is a dermatology consultation more expensive than a standard visit?
The initial dermatology consultation takes longer than a standard visit because it includes a detailed medical history, a thorough examination and often basic diagnostics performed during the appointment. The aim is to proceed systematically and avoid unnecessary or repeated trial treatments without a clear plan. In chronic skin diseases, an appropriately designed diagnostic and treatment plan can save time, costs and discomfort for the patient in the long term.
Do I need a referral from my veterinarian?
No. You may book an appointment directly. If the patient has already been examined or treated elsewhere, please bring any available medical records and previous test results.
Should I stop medication or stop cleaning the ears before the appointment?
Do not discontinue medication without veterinary advice. When booking, please tell us which medications or topical preparations the patient is currently receiving. Depending on the specific problem, you will be advised whether anything needs to be adjusted before the examination.
Does the patient need to be fasted?
Usually not for a standard dermatology consultation. If a procedure under sedation or anaesthesia is planned, you will receive specific instructions in advance.
Can an allergy be diagnosed during a single visit?
Diagnosing allergic disease is usually a step-by-step process. It includes excluding other causes of pruritus, treating secondary infections and, if needed, performing an elimination diet trial or taking other steps. After the first visit, you will receive a specific plan tailored to your pet.
Contact
Book an appointment
For further information or to arrange an appointment, please contact me by phone or email.
I am currently based at Fazivet Veterinary Practice in Nitra.
Phone
+421 949 617 300
Email
hattasova.monika@gmail.com
Consultations are available by appointment only.