Dermatology and Allergy Service Details
To learn more about any of the services below, simply select the topic to reveal more information.Discontinue all drugs/topicals that interfere with the intradermal skin test (including corticosteroids)
Type of drug/topical Recommended Withdrawal Time
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 (depomedrol) | 8-14 weeks |
Betamethasone (betasone) | 12-14 weeks |
Antihistamines or tricyclic antidepressants that have antihistamine properties | |
Oral (tablets, capsules), e.g. benadryl, diphenhydramine, tavist, clemastine, chlorpheniramine, chlortrimeton, claritin, hydroxyzine, atarax, allergra, clarinex, zyrtec, 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 |
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 (overnight 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. We thank the clients and staff members who have donated t-shirts.
VRCC Dermatology Canine Allergic Dermatitis Study
VRCC Dermatology will be enrolling dogs with allergic dermatitis in a clinical trial evaluating a new medication. There are inclusion/exclusion criteria that need to be met.
VRCC Dermatology Canine Demodicosis Study
VRCC Dermatology will be enrolling dogs with adult-onset demodicosis in a treatment-based clinical trial. This study is tentatively slated to start in July, 2018. There are inclusion/exclusion criteria that need to be met. If eligible and if study criteria are met, study exams will be covered by the study.
Please contact the Dermatology Department at 303-874-2078 for more information on any of the above studies.