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Home ยป Dermatology / Allergy
 

Dermatology - Allergy Testing Preperation

Guide For Intradermal Allergy Testing Preparation

 

Medications Recommended
Withdrawal Time
Corticosteroids  
Topical shampoos or conditioners, e.g. Cortisoothe, Resicort 2-4 weeks
Topical ear medications, e.g. otomax, tresaderm, malotic, synotic, gentaved, tritop, malacetic-HC, burotic-HC, cortisporin-otic, cortastrin. If your pet received any ear medications that may have contained steroids, then please flush ears with a non-steroid containing ear flush 3-6 weeks prior to allergy testing to help remove any residual ear medication. (please note: mometomax may require withdrawal of 8 weeks or more) 3-6 weeks
Topical eye medications that contain steroids, e.g. NeoPolyDex, gentacin durafilm, pred acetate 3-6 weeks
Topical steroid cream, ointments, gels, sprays containing hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, betamethasone, clobetasol, etc. Examples include cortaid, cortisone 10, genesis spray, gentaved spray, gentacin spray, aristocort, cormax, clobetasol, topicort 2-6 weeks
Prednisone, prednisolone, medrol, methylprednisolone, temaril-P, dexamethasone 3-6 weeks
Triamcinolone (vetalog)      8-10 weeks
Methylprednisolone injectable (depomedrol) 8-14 weeks
Betamethasone injectable (betasone) 12-14 weeks

 

Antihistamines or tricyclic antidepressants that have antihistamine properties  

Oral (tablets, capsules), e.g. benadryl, diphenhydramine, tavist, clemastine, chlorpheniramine, chlortrimeton, claritin, loratidine, hydroxyzine,

atarax, allergra, clarinex, zyrtec, ceterizine, amitriptyline, elavil, doxepin

 2-3 Weeks

antihistamine shampoos, e.g. histacalm

      5-7 days
antihistamine sprays, e.g. benadryl spray      5-7 days
Acepromazine (tranquilizer) 2-3 days
Pramoxine containing products, e.g. ResiProx, Relief, Aveeno anti-itch cream 2-3 days
*PLEASE CALL US IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS / CONCERNS ABOUT ANY MEDICATION(S) YOUR PET IS RECEIVING WITH REGARDS TO INTERFERING WITH INTRADERMAL ALLERGY TESTING.  

 

Medications O.K. to give to or use on your pet prior to skin testing

  • most antibiotics, e.g. cephalexin, baytril, clavamox, etc.
  • antivirals
  • antifungals, e.g. ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, griseofulvin
  • heartworm preventative
  • flea control products
  • oatmeal containing products, e.g. EpiSoothe, ResiSoothe, Aveeno, etc.
  • ophthalmic cyclosporine for KCS (dry eye)
  • oral cyclosporine, e.g. Atopica, Neoral, Gengraf
  • thyroid supplementation, e.g. soloxine, thyro-tabs
  • heart medications
  • anti-seizure medications
  • any medicines necessary to maintain life should be given to your pet!

 

Control any skin and ear infections as infections often increase your pet's pruritus (itchiness)

 

Symptomatic therapy for pruritus (itch) that may be used

  • cool water baths with oatmeal containing products
  • barrier methods, e.g. t-shirts, baby sleepers/onsies, Elizabethian collars, socks/booties, etc.

 

General information

  • No food after 10 pm the night before skin testing. Water is O.K.
  • Plan on having your pet stay with us for the day (over night stay is not required).
  • A post-card sized "box" will be shaved on your pet's lateral thorax (side of the chest).
  • Most dogs are sent home in t-shirts - the t-shirts may be removed the evening of the skin test or the next day.