BluePearl Pet Hospital
Arden Hills, MN
Dermatology

Emergency and Referral
Emergency:
24/7
Please Call Before Arriving
Referral:
Mon-Fri: 9 am-3 pm
By appointment

Pet dermatology by BluePearl.

Advanced medicine to help your pet live a better, more comfortable life.

We understand that seeing your pet experience unusual symptoms or act out of the ordinary can be stressful – especially if you don’t know what’s wrong. Fortunately, our veterinary dermatology team is made up of experts in diagnosing and treating diseases of the skin or ears, and we’re here to help. 

Our commitment is not just to treat illnesses; it’s to enhance the well-being of your pet and be with you every step of the way.

Conditions we treat.

A BluePearl anesthesiology and pain management vet prepares to fix an anesthetic facemask on a yellow lab while a vet tech helps hold the dog on the exam table.

If your pet has a skin condition, you’ll have an entire dermatology team helping to improve your pet’s quality of life so you can get back to what matters most – spending precious moments together.

  • Allergies (both environmental and food-related) 
  • Acute and chronic disease of the skin and ears 
  • Autoimmune diseases 
  • Parasitic skin diseases (like mange) 
  • Fungal infections (like ringworm)

Services we offer.

Your pet will receive unparalleled medical care during their time at the hospital (and they’ll be spoiled with love and attention, too).

Advanced diagnostics

Your pet can’t tell us what’s wrong, so we use sophisticated diagnostics and imaging tools to uncover the source of the problem.

  • Skin biopsy
  • Skin cytology
  • Trichogram
  • Skin scrapings
  • Video otoscopy
  • Bacterial and fungal cultures
  • Intradermal allergy testing
  • Blood/urine testing

Treatment plans

Just as no two patients are the same, neither are their treatment plans. Our dermatology team has experience with a range of advanced procedures and minimally invasive care options to get your pet on the path to wellness, including:

  • Medications (oral and topical)
  • Allergy immunotherapy
  • Laser surgery
  • Deep ear flushes

Our board certified specialists and dermatology team.

Experience makes all the difference. 

Our dermatology team is made up of veterinarians, vet technicians and assistants, and support staff with rigorous training and experience in specialty medicine. The team works hand in hand to provide the comprehensive, compassionate care your pet needs and deserves. Because we’re a multidisciplinary hospital, the team can consult the expertise of other specialty departments, too.

Sara Bancroft

DVM, DACVD
Board Certified in Veterinary Dermatology

Dermatology
On the job

Dr. Sara Bancroft’s clinical interests include the diagnosis and long-term management of chronic skin diseases, including allergies and autoimmune diseases such as pemphigus foliaceus. She finds it particularly rewarding to work with feline patients, as their quality-of-life improvement can be especially dramatic. She is also proficient with laser surgery and video otoscopy for the treatment of ear and skin diseases.

Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Dermatology
  • Residency, Veterinary Dermatology, McKeever Dermatology Clinics, Eden Prairie, MN
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Eden Prairie, MN
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul
  • Bachelor of Science, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine
Off duty

Dr. Bancroft enjoys spending her free time with her family; together they enjoy traveling, board games and D&D. The family pets include a bulldog (with allergies, of course!) named Daisy Mae, and two cats: Indiana and Kitten. She is also interested in aquatics and keeps fish, shrimp, axolotls and a salamander.

Lisa Reiter

DVM, DACVD

Dermatology
On the job

Dr. Lisa Reiter finds treating and managing chronic otitis, utilizing video-otoscopy and deep ear lavage especially gratifying. She finds great satisfaction in diagnosing and managing environmental allergies, including performing allergy tests and formulating immunotherapy (allergy shots). Dr. Reiter is experienced in laser surgery, which she favors because it can remove a variety of skin and ear tumors, often without the need for full anesthesia.

Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Dermatology
  • Residency, Comparative Veterinary Dermatology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital, CA
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus
  • Bachelor of Arts, College of Saint Benedict & Saint John’s University, St. Joseph, MN
Off duty

Dr. Reiter enjoys having fun and adventures with her three-year-old twin boys and her husband. She also really enjoys gardening with native wildflowers and plants to attract pollinators.

What to expect.

We want you to be prepared for your pet’s visit to the dermatologist, so you have one less thing to worry about. Our entire BluePearl team will be with you every step of the way.

Before your visit

  • Make an initial appointment by calling us directly or via referral from your pet’s primary vet. 
  • We’ll get records from your primary or emergency vet before your first visit and collaborate with them to discuss your pet’s history and current condition.

During your visit

  • When possible, we’ll examine your pet with you by their side to make them more comfortable. If additional tests are needed for a diagnosis, we’ll discuss those options with you.
  • You’ll have plenty of time and opportunity to ask questions as we go over your pet’s diagnosis together.
  • Before you leave, you’ll receive a detailed treatment plan, discharge instructions and any recommended medications. We’ll schedule a recheck appointment and make sure you’re aware of any symptoms you should watch out for at home.

After your visit

  • Our team will continue to partner with your primary veterinarian as part of the ongoing management of your pet’s care.
  • You know your pet better than anyone, and you play a crucial role in their treatment plan. If you have any concerns about providing care at home (such as giving medication, maintaining a specific diet or monitoring your pet’s symptoms), let us know – we’re here for you.