• Sedation is required so do not feed your pet the morning of your visit, especially if allergy testing is scheduled. Water is okay.
• Allergy testing requires that certain medications be withheld prior to testing:
  
  1. injectable steroids are not given 6 weeks prior to testing. 
  2. oral steroids are not given 3 weeks prior to testing 
  3. topical steroids are not given 3 weeks prior to testing (this includes ear medications and medications applied to the skin) 
  4. antihistamines are not given 2 weeks prior to testing 
  5. tranquilizers are not given 2 weeks prior to testing 
  6. fish oil supplements are not given 2 weeks prior to testing

• You may continue non steroid containing ear cleaners and medications, shampoos and conditioners and other topical medications that do not contain steroids or antihistamines 
• You may continue antibiotics and medications prescribed to treat yeast infections.
• Anti-seizure medications, heartworm and flea prevention medications, and thyroid hormone medications may also be continued.

If you or your veterinarian has questions about specific medications being administered or applied to the skin or ears, please contact the STVAD veterinary technician.

Allergy shots (immunotherapy)
Immunotherapy is designed specifically for your pet based upon the results of allergy testing. STVAD formulates and manages the patients started on allergy shots with Dr. Pinchbeck, and this permits continued management of your pet’s skin disease. If your pet is started on allergy shots based upon the results of allergy testing, the dermatology team will schedule a short visit to educate you about the process and allow you to ask questions. This visit is conducted by the veterinary dermatology technician. They are trained to teach you how to administer injections and are knowledgeable about the process of immunotherapy.