WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR APPOINTMENT

Welcome to the Red Bank Veterinary Hospital Dermatology & Allergy Service. If you or your referring veterinarian have already made an appointment, we look forward to working with you and your pet soon. If you have not made an appointment, but wish to do so, please see the information below. Our goal is to provide the highest quality of care while meeting all of your expectations.

We are primarily an outpatient service and perform many diagnostic tests during your visit. In some cases, your pet may need to stay at the hospital for a few hours or return at another scheduled time. We try to address the problems of each individual patient without compromise, which means that your appointment may take longer than what you are accustomed to at your regular veterinarian’s office or with other services. We take great care in obtaining a detailed history, performing a dermatological physical examination, providing in-depth explanations regarding underlying causes for your pet’s condition, and providing directions for you regarding the use of provided medications/products. 

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU

• A complete questionnaire regarding your pet’s history (available on the RBVH   web site, sent by mail, or provided during your initial visit)
• Previous veterinary records and/or referral forms from your primary veterinarian
• Previous laboratory results (i.e., blood work, biopsy reports, cultures)
• Bottles of oral medication(s) that your pet is currently receiving or has recently   received (prescribed and over-the-counter products)
• Containers of any topical creams, lotions, shampoos, etc. (prescribed and   over- the-counter products)
• Food labels (if possible)

FURTHER DETAILS:

• It is best to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to
  allow for paperwork to be completed.
• Please respect your pet’s appointment time. If you are going to be more than 15   minutes late, please call. In these instances, please be aware that you may
  have an extended wait time as we work you in, or you may need to reschedule.
• Initial examination appointments are scheduled for 60 minute time slots.
  Re-examination appointments and “Allergen start-up Exams” are scheduled for   30 minutes, and suture removal appointments are 15 minute time slots.
• While we will do everything possible to get you in-and-out in a timely   fashion, we provide very personalized care, which may lead to slightly longer   appointments and/or waits (including procedures). To be on the safe side, we   recommend that you allow 2 hours for your appointment.
• Procedures that will take longer than an hour will likely be performed later in the   afternoon/early evening or at another pre-scheduled time (i.e., skin testing, ear   flushes, biopsies).
• Do not bathe your pet for 7 days prior to your visit.
• We may have you leave your pet in our care as a day board for certain   procedures or therapies and have you come back later in the afternoon
  or evening.
• The initial visit includes the formulation of a plan for your pet—each pet has   individual requirements and we cater to each pet and his/her specific needs
• If there is the chance that sedation may be required (i.e., skin testing), please
  do not feed your pet at least 8 hours prior to your appointment (see special note   for skin testing below).
• Please pay special attention to instructions from your veterinarian, our staff, or   your dermatologist (i.e., if you are having a post-pill blood level checked, it is   important to administer the pill as directed at the correct time so the test yields   meaningful results).

INFORMATION REGARDING SKIN TESTING
(INTRADERMAL ALLERGY TESTING

• Since sedation is often required, we ask that you DO NOT FEED your pet at   least 8 hours prior to your scheduled appointment (water is okay)
• STOP all of the following medications:
     – injectable steroids (at least 35-42 days before the test)
     – oral steroids (21-28 days before the test)
     – some topical steroids (14-21 days before the test)
        Note: This includes ear medications
     – antihistamines (14 days before the test)
     – tranquilizer medications (acepromazine) (10 days before test)
     – fish oil supplements (10 days before the test)
• You do NOT need to stop:
     – non-steroid containing ear products, shampoos, or other topical products
     – non-steroidal inflammatory medications
     – antibiotics
     – anti-yeast medications
     – anti-seizure medications
     – heartworm prevention medications
     – thyroid supplementation
• If you have a question, please call for further details

CANCELLATION POLICY

• We will do our best to contact you 48 hours prior to your appointment   with a reminder call.
• If you must cancel your appointment, we ask that you do so at least 48 hours   prior to your scheduled appointment. This allows us to contact pet owners   on our waiting list who are also in need of our services.
• If there is an unforeseen emergency, or the weather does not permit for you to   make your appointment, we understand and will help you reschedule for the next   available appointment.

CONTACT INFORMATION AND DIRECTIONS

Address: 197 Hance Avenue, Tinton Falls, New Jersey 07724
Phone: 732-747-3636
Fax: 732-747-6562