Dermatology at BVSC

Skin, ear, nail and allergy conditions can cause significant discomfort and affect quality of life. We diagnose and manage these conditions using the latest techniques, technology and best practices.

Often working in partnership with your primary care veterinarian, the ADS team develop tailored treatment plans to provide ongoing, comprehensive care. For complex cases, our team collaborates with other BVSC specialties, with access to advanced imaging such as CT and MRI to support accurate diagnosis, effective treatment and continuity of care.

These conditions can sometimes require long-term management. Our team is committed to providing clear communication and practical solutions, ensuring referring veterinarians and owners feel supported at every stage.

We believe that comfort and quality of life are essential to every patient’s wellbeing. With advanced training, extensive experience and the combined resources of BVSC, our dermatology team provides the highest standard of care for every case.

Animal Dermatology Specialist

+ Specialist Dermatologist Dr Johann Boone and Dermatology Registrar, Dr Brian Shen will be conducting the following services at BVSC + The Specialist Clinic.

 

Dr Johann Boone
BSc(Hon), BVMS, MANZCVS, MVetMed, DipECVD
Specialist Dermatology

Johann Boone is a board-certified veterinary dermatologist and a registered Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology. She completed her residency at the Royal Veterinary College in England and holds a Master of Veterinary Medicine. She is a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Dermatology (ECVD) and a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS).

Dr Brian Shen
BVSc (Hons)
Registrar Dermatology

Dr Brian Shen is a veterinary dermatology registrar with more than five years of dedicated dermatology experience across South East Queensland. He completed his BVSc (Hons) at the University of Queensland in 2019, where a final-year rotation sparked his passion for skin and ear disease. 

Wednesday & Friday

  • Initial consultations
  • minor treatments and procedures
  • revisits
  • major procedures can be arranged to be performed offsite

They are here to help patients with ongoing skin, coat or nail problems, unexplained ear disease, or complex allergies.

To schedule an appointment or for more information:

+ Call the ADS team directly on 0402 ADS ADS (0402 237 237)

+ Email team@animalderm.com.au

OR book online via the Animal Dermatology Specialist website: www.animalderm.com.au

Some of the common veterinary dermatology services we provide include:

We routinely perform surface sampling such as ear swabs, tape strip impressions and pustule smears and can examine samples during consultation to support immediate diagnosis. For deeper lesions or enlarged lymph nodes we offer fine needle aspirates to collect cells for rapid microscopic assessment and targeted treatment decisions.

When ear disease is recurrent or not responding to first line treatment, we use otoendoscopy and ear flushing to fully visualise and clean the ear canal under sedation or anaesthesia. These procedures help identify masses, polyps or foreign bodies and improve response to ongoing medical management.

We offer tailored allergy testing including intradermal testing and serum testing to identify environmental triggers such as pollens, moulds and dust mites. Where indicated we provide allergen specific immunotherapy to address the underlying cause of allergic disease rather than only relieving symptoms.

Elimination diet trials are the most reliable method of diagnosing food related skin or ear disease. We guide owners through strict trials using novel or hydrolysed diets and provide support to confirm or exclude dietary causes and develop long-term feeding plans.

When clinical signs suggest an endocrine cause, we perform targeted testing including bloodwork and urinalysis and, where needed, imaging to assess thyroid and adrenal function. Identifying hormonal disease allows treatment of the underlying cause rather than only managing skin signs.

For animals with a history of severe sting reactions we offer venom testing and, when appropriate, venom immunotherapy to reduce the risk of future anaphylaxis. We also provide advice on avoidance strategies and emergency preparedness.

When lesions are unusual or do not respond to treatment, we perform skin biopsies and submit samples for histopathology to obtain definitive diagnoses. These results guide targeted therapies and can include specialist histopathology interpretation or second opinions when required.

We use a CO₂ laser for precise removal of skin and soft tissue lesions to reduce bleeding, postoperative discomfort and healing time. All procedures are performed under appropriate sedation or anaesthesia with strict safety protocols.

Other services

More information for Veterinarians and Pet Owners

More Information

+ Referring Vets

Information on referrals, treatments, education and more.

+ Pet Owners

Information about visiting BVSC, your pets stay and more.