These drugs must be stopped prior to testing to obtain the most accurate test for your pet:
- Oral steroids (e.g., prednisone, Medrol, triamcinolone, dexamethasone): 3-4 weeks
- Injectable steroids:
- Depomedrol or Vetalog: 6 weeks
- Dexamethasone: 4 weeks
- Topical ear medications containing corticosteroids:
- Mometamax: 7 days
- Otomax, Tresaderm, Animax or generics: 10 days
- Synotic: 3 weeks
- Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl, clemastine, hydroxyzine, amitriptyline, doxepin, etc.): 10-14 days
- Genesis spray (steroid spray): 3 weeks
- Topical eye drops containing dexamethasone or prednisolone acetate: 10 days
- Acepromazine (a sedative): 3 days
- Hydrocortisone-containing shampoos, sprays, crème rinses, ear drops or eye drops: 7 days
- Pramoxine-containing conditioners, crème rinses or spray (Relief, Dermalsoothe): 3 days
The above is not a complete list. If you have questions about which medications are allowed for testing, please call us at 573-882-7821.
If your pet is on Apoquel or Atopica, we can still perform the intradermal skin test.
Hints to alleviate itching prior to the allergy test:
- Place a T-shirt on your dog to prevent self-trauma
- Oatmeal soaks or cool water soaks daily
- Elizabethan collars (lampshade collars) to break the itch/scratch cycle
Owners should withhold food the morning of the allergy testing appointment or any other anesthetic procedure (ear flush or skin biopsy). We may still be able to perform the test even if they have eaten that morning; we would just do it later in the day.
