Dermatology is the study of skin and its diseases. This is one of the most common areas of problems in veterinary medicine. Allergy issues, for example, are especially prominent in the Ohio Valley area, where Jeffersonville (and Louisville) is located geographically. Other common skin conditions include parasites (i.e. demodex mites, sarcoptic mites, ear mites, fleas, ticks, lice), diseases of the ear, tumors, nail and foot pad disease, autoimmune and endocrine conditions, and various infections (i.e. bacteria, fungal).