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Dermatology - Clinic Information

An important part of the PVSEC, Pittsburgh Veterinary Dermatology, was founded in August 2003, filling a void in veterinary dermatology services in the greater Pittsburgh area. The dermatology department provides the quality dermatological care your pets need, treating a variety of animals including dogs, cats and small and large pets.

Fox 53 has produced a series of medical messages featuring PVSEC clinical departments. Click below to view the dermatology medical message previously airing on Fox 53 and MyPittsburghTV.

PVSEC Dermatology Video

The dermatology department welcomes referrals and new appointments. Referral information should be faxed or called in by your primary care veterinarian to schedule your pet's appointment.

Appointments

Upon scheduling your pet's appointment, you will receive a comprehensive questionnaire in the mail. Please bring the completed questionnaire to your pet's initial consultation. This will provide us with a detailed overview of your pet's dermatologic history for diagnostic purposes. Our nursing staff is available at the time of your appointment should you have questions. You may download the questionnaire here (Word doc).

Appointment Preparations

  1. Bring all medications your pet is currently taking or has taken for the current condition.
  2. DO NOT bathe your pet for at least 7 days prior to the appointment.
  3. DO NOT clean or apply medication to your pet's ears for at least 2 days prior to the appointment.
  4. Please consult your primary care veterinarian regarding other medications your pet is taking if you are unsure whether or not to stop the treatment before the appointment.
  5. For allergy testing:
    • Oral and injectable steroids should be avoided for at least 4-6 weeks prior to visit.
    • Topical steroids (ear drops) should be avoided for 3 weeks prior to visit.
    • Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), hydroxyzine (Atarax), clemastine (Tavist) and chlorpheniramine (ClorTrimeton) should be avoided for a period of 14 days prior to allergy testing.
    • Be sure to follow your primary care veterinarian's recommendations when suspending medication.
  6. Withhold food from your pet for at least 8 hours prior to the appointment. This will allow for sedation or blood testing if required. You do not need to withhold water.
  7. Please call PVSEC if you have any other questions about appointment preparation.

Please allow 1-2 hours for your pet's initial appointment. The dermatological examination will take approximately 30 minutes, with additional time required to review your pet's clinical history, reports and lab work and to complete in-house diagnostics. Subsequent visits should take no longer than 30 minutes unless special testing is required. Note that drop-off appointments are only available for re-check visits.

If necessary, we will discuss additional recommended diagnostic testing and treatment options at the time of the appointment, providing cost estimates for each service. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled that day. Following your pet's examination and testing, we will forward a complete report to your referring veterinarian. While we follow through with your pet's dermatologic care, your pet's general care is still the responsibility of your primary care veterinarian.

HOURS: Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Fees

Consultations and appointments with PVSEC Dermatology require a deposit at the time of admission for treatment. Full payment will be due at the time of your pet's discharge. We welcome cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express or Care Credit.