FAQ

Do I need copies of my pet’s veterinary records with me to the first appointment?
After you setup your appointment, we will call your vet’s office and ask them to fax us all of your pet’s records and labwork.

Does my pet need to be up-to-date on all vaccines before visiting Veterinary Dematology of Richmond?
All patients (dogs and cats) need to be up-to-date on their rabies vaccines or need to have a recent normal test result for rabies titers.

Can my pet have food and water before the appointment?
Please withhold food for 12 hours prior to your pet’s scheduled appointment–this is only for the first visit here, unless otherwise directed. Withhold water for 2 hours prior to your pet’s appointment. Please let us know at the time of scheduling the initial visit if your pet has a medical condition that would prevent withholding food or water.

How long will the visit take?
Please arrive 15 minutes early so our receptionist can enter you into our computer. If you’re not able to submit the Admission Form on our web site, please plan to arrive 30 minutes early so you can fill one out here in our office. We schedule one hour for new patient appointments.

After you arrive, Dr. Williamson will read through the records from your regular vet and your admission form, then she will talk with you and do an exam on your pet. Based on that information, she will decide what testing is needed for your pet. If your pet needs allergy skin testing, biopsies, or other lengthy procedures, plan on leaving your pet with us for several hours.

How much will the visit cost?
Cost varies greatly depending on what tests Dr. Williamson has to run to treat your pet’s condition. The initial visit can run anywhere from $250 – $800, depending on the severity of the case. The initial visit is the most costly.

We offer many ways to pay: cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and CareCredit. CareCredit is a credit card that can be used at some medical offices. CareCredit offers 6 months with no interest, convenient monthly payment options, no up-front costs, no prepayment penalties and no annual fees. You can apply online at www.CareCredit.com. They will tell you immediately if you are approved and you can print out your account information and bring it with you.

Should I bathe my pet before seeing Dr. Williamson?
Ideally your pet should not be bathed for a minimum of one week prior to the visit. The stinkier and more disgusting they are, the better!

Should I clean my pet’s ears before seeing Dr. Williamson?
Ideally your pet’s ears should not be cleaned for 3-7 days prior to the visit.

Can my pet be taking medications at the time of the initial visit?
Ideally oral and topical steroids (prednisone, prednisolone, temaril-p, mometemax, otomax, cortisone, etc) are discontinued for 2-4 weeks prior to the initial visit, although we understand some patients cannot be taken off of steroids prior to the initial visit because of the severe scratching that occurs when steroids are withheld. Oral and topical antihistamines (benadryl, hydroxozine, temaril-p, clemastine, tavist, claritin, etc) should be discontinued 10-14 days prior to the initial visit. Steroids and antihistamines need to be discontinued only if the patient may need allergy skin testing for environmental allergies at the initial visit. If unable to stop steroids and/or antihistamines, Dr. Williamson will still be able to see the patient and begin managing their condition, so it isn’t mandatory, just advised for the convenience of the client. Sedation should be withheld for 24-48 hours prior to the visit.

DO NOT STOP ANY OF THESE MEDICATIONS PRIOR TO YOUR APPOINTMENT:
Antibiotics, anti-fungal medications, anti-yeast medications, seizure medications, diabetes medications, thyroid medications, endocrine disorder medications, heart medications, heartworm prevention, flea and tick control, and dietary supplements should ALL be given normally.

If you have questions about specific medications, please ask us when you are scheduling an appointment.

What do I need to bring with me to the initial visit?
Please cut out the ingredient labels on all of your pet’s foods and pet’s treats and bring them all in with you. Also please fill out and submit the Admission Form here on our web site at least one day prior to your appointment.