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What to Expect

Your pet’s health is paramount, and our dedicated team is here to provide expert, compassionate care for your furry family member.

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Our Commitment to Your Pet’s Comfort and Well-Being

We are committed to delivering advanced veterinary care, prioritizing exceptional client service and compassionate patient care.

Prior to your first appointment

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Veterinary Dermatology of Richmond will contact your referring veterinarian and any other veterinarians who have treated your pet in the last 3 years for a current medical history. This allows us to establish communication with your regular veterinarian and, in some cases, alleviates the burden of running duplicate tests. Dr. Williamson or Dr. Shumaker will review these records prior to your appointment.

How to prepare for your first appointment

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Please arrive 15 minutes early to your appointment so that we may verify that all pertinent information is received for your appointment.

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Please bring all medications and topical products you have at home to the appointment in case Dr. Williamson or Dr. Shumaker would like to fill medications. This is so we do not duplicate what you already have at home.

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Please bring the food label and ingredient list (either printed or cut from the bag) of your pet’s current diet (food and treats) for Dr. Williamson or Dr. Shumaker to review.
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If your pet is a dog, please do not let your pet urinate 2 hours prior to the appointment in case a urine sample is needed.

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Please DO NOT bathe your pet for at least a week prior to your appointment.

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Please do not apply any medications to your pet’s skin or ears for 24 to 48 hours prior to your appointment.
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Please withhold your pet’s food for 12 hours prior to the appointment, and do not give your pet water after you leave to come to your appointment. Fasting is recommended in case any type of diagnostics requires sedation.

During your first appointment

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We pride ourselves in providing the highest quality care for each owner and pet. During your appointment, we will take the time to thoroughly explain your pet’s diagnosis and perform any necessary therapeutic procedures or treatments. We look to ensure that all of your questions are completely answered.
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The initial consultation will last approximately 1 – 2 hours, possibly longer. If Dr. Williamson or Dr. Shumaker needs to perform additional diagnostic tests, we may have you leave your pet here for 3 – 4 hours.
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The initial consultation is the examination of your pet by Dr. Williamson or Dr. Shumaker. The cost of treatments and diagnostics may vary according to the size of the pet and the severity of your pet’s condition based on the doctor’s recommendations. We will provide an estimate, but please understand that we cannot give an accurate estimate without first examining your pet at Veterinary Dermatology of Richmond. The initial visit is typically the most costly.
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Based on your pet’s exam, further diagnostics, including a skin scrape or cytology, may be recommended and performed.

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If your referring veterinarian recommends an Interdermal Skin Test, it is in addition to the consultation fee and diagnostic tests. Based on the results, oral or injectable allergens will be made that day or ordered with an expiration date of 5-6 months. These are usually continued lifelong.
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Dr. Williamson or Dr. Shumaker will provide a detailed written patient report of their findings. It will include a diagnosis, a list of the diagnostic tests performed, any medication prescribed, and their treatment recommendations. We will also fax or email a copy of the patient report and all lab work results to the referring veterinarian.
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