GENERAL INFORMATION

Why Should My Pet See a Veterinary Dermatologist?

Just like in humans, allergies and ear disorders can make life miserable for a pet and the people around him or her. Some disorders can even threaten the life of your pet. And, like in human health care, there are times when your primary veterinarian cannot provide the extent of care needed for a certain ailment - you should be referred to or seek the care of a specialist.

Our dermatology specialist, Dr. Amy Randall, is highly experienced and trained in diagnosing and treating allergies and disorders of the ear in small domesticated animals. Her primary concerns are to identify your pet's allergies and develop a treatment to minimize the severity or completely eliminate your pet's allergic reactions.

Dr. Randall's guidance and experience will enable you to select the best treatment strategy - from the most conservative therapies to the latest dermatological procedures and diagnostic testing options.

When Should I Have an Allergy Test Performed on My Pet?

Generally, if your pet has any of the following symptoms a comprehensive allergy test should be considered:

Excessive itching and scratching
Licking or chewing of a paw, tail or patch of skin or fur
- Discoloration (redness) of the skin
- Recurring skin infections
- Recurring ear infections
- Unpleasant odor from the skin, fur or ears
- Recurring "hot spot" or rash

What are the Benefits of Having My Pet Tested for Allergies?

Early testing can improve the success rate of treatment by as much as 90 percent. Testing can help identify the best treatment for your pet therefore eliminating recurring skin and ear infections and removing the pain your pet may be experiencing. Most of all, testing and subsequent treatment will improve your pet's quality of life while enhancing your enjoyment of your animal companion.

Why Should I Have My Pet's Allergies Treated at the Animal Allergy & Ear Clinic?

The primary mission of our doctor and support staff is to treat our clients as we do our own families and to treat our client's animal companions as though they are our own. At all times our clients and patients will be treated with respect, dignity and the upmost compassion. Our medical mission is to readily identify the cause of your pet's problem and provide treatments to achieve the maximum comfort for your pet. This is our promise to you.

What About My Pet's First Appointment?

Your primary veterinarian can make a referral or you can call us at 503-574-4150 to arrange an appointment for an initial, comprehensive examination. The examination will take around an hour to complete.

After the examination, if the doctor determines that your pet will benefit from allergy testing, there are certain protocols that you need to follow. Please bring a list of all medications your pet is currently taking; certain medications may need to be withdrawn to ensure the accuracy of the test. Also, no food should be given to your pet on the morning of the test, as you pet will be sedated for his or her comfort during the procedure.

If you wish to do testing the same day as the initial examination, please ask the receptionist about the required protocol when you make your appointment.

Click here for the New Client Information form.