127 FCM COVER - Fox Cities Magazine

Business Profile
Humans aren’t the only ones who suffer from
environmental allergies. Your pets can
develop allergies to many things, such as
grass, trees, shrubs, dust mites, mold and, most
commonly, fleas.
As part of the effort to provide specialized care,
FVARC offers a full range of dermatology services.
Dr. Andrew Lowe, FVARC’s board-certified
dermatology specialist, treats animals enduring food,
fleas and environmental allergies by conducting
diagnostic treatments and overseeing dermatologic
disease management.
From treating allergic dermatitis to conducting
biopsies of deep tissues and caring for cancer of the
skin, Dr. Lowe aims to help patients and veterinarians
of the Fox Valley control these chronic and
frustrating conditions.
Dr. Lowe completed his three-year dermatology
residency at the University of Illinois and obtained a
Master of Science degree in veterinary clinical
medicine. And having two cats and an allergic
Golden Retriever of his own, he provides
compassionate, knowledgeable care.
For animals suffering from autoimmune,
infectious, parasitic, endocrine, hormonal and
psychogenic skin diseases, FVARC can provide
therapies needed to manage these conditions.
Additional dermatology services include:
intradermal skin testing, deep ear flushes and middle
ear cultures, video otoscopy and myringotomy, polyp
removal and hair-loss management.
For over a decade, doctors at Fox Valley Animal
Referral Center (FVARC) have worked as part of a
team with primary care veterinarians to provide
specialty care, advanced diagnostics, and around-theclock
emergency and critical care services.
The FVARC staff consists of doctors, certified
technicians, assistants, care coordinators, clerical,
and customer service representatives who are
dedicated to the health and comfort of its patients.
By expanding its services and exploring new ways
to bring advanced veterinary care to pet owners,
FVARC handles emergency situations and is trained
to triage quickly. The referral center also offers
surgical services, ophthalmology, radiology, internal
medicine, radioactive iodine therapy and canine
rehabilitation.
4706 New Horizons Blvd. Appleton
920.993.9193 www.fvarc.com
Dr. Andrew Lowe
This Dachshund suffered from extensive hair loss and
inflammation. Simple in-house testing revealed large numbers
of a parasite called Demodex canis. Demodex mites can be
challenging to treat, often
requiring long periods of
treatment. With diligent followup
appointments and treatment
adjustments, excellent results
can be seen, as in this patient
who, after five months of
treatment, had complete
resolution of clinical signs.
The cat shown here had severe,
weeping, ulcerative skin lesions.
Biopsy results were consistent with
eosinophilic plaques. The lesions,
though severe in this case, are a
common manifestation of allergies
in cats. Treatment involves
attempting to identify and remove
the source of the allergy. In cases
where the offending allergen cannot be identified or
removed, long-term treatments aimed at reducing
inflammation are necessary.
The clinical presentation of this
patient, as well as in-house testing,
was suspicious for an autoimmune
disease called pemphigus foliaceous.
Biopsies confirmed the diagnosis.
Pemphigus foliaceous causes the
immune system to incorrectly target
and “attack” normal components of
the skin. The dog responded well to
treatment with a combination of
immunosuppressive medications.
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March 2010
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