Welcome to the Animerge Dermatology and Allergy Service. If you have already made an appointment, we look forward to working with you and your companion animal very soon. If you have not booked an appointment yet, but would like to do so, please call 908-707-9077. Our goal is to provide the highest quality of care while meeting or exceeding all of your expectations.

We are primarily an outpatient service and perform most of the diagnostic tests during your appointment. In select cases, your companion animal may need to stay at the hospital for a few hours or return at another future scheduled time. We try to address the problems of each individual patient without compromise, which means that your appointment may take longer than what you are accustomed to at your primary veterinarian's hospital or with other services. We obtain a detailed history, perform a dermatological physical examination, provide an in-depth explanation regarding underlying causes for your pet's condition, and provide discharge directions for you regarding the use of provided medications/products.

What to bring to the appointment:

• A complete questionnaire regarding your companion animal's history
  (this may be provided during your initial visit if you are unable to complete the form ahead of time)-you may fax the form ahead of time (908-707-4146), but we still ask that you bring the original copy.
  
• Previous veterinary records and/or referral forms from your primary
  veterinarian
  
• Previous laboratory results (e.g., blood work, urinalysis, imaging
  reports, cytology reports, biopsy reports, cultures)
  
• Records/proof of vaccination or reason for exemption
  
• Bottles of oral medication(s) that your companion animal is currently
  receiving or has recently received (prescribed and over-the-counter
  products)
  
• Containers of any topical creams, lotions, shampoos, etc. (prescribed
  and over- the-counter products)
  
• Food labels (if possible) or print-out with the nutritional
  information/ingredients
  
• The heartworm prevention, flea/tick prevention- containers or note the
  brand and if flavored
  

Details regarding your appointment:

• It is best to arrive 15-20 minutes before your scheduled appointment to
  allow for paperwork to be completed. Please plan for possible traffic.
  
• Please respect your pet's appointment time. If you are going to be more
  than 10-15 minutes late, please call. In these instances, please be
  aware that you may have an extended wait time as we work you in, or you
  may need to reschedule.
  
• Initial examination appointments are scheduled for 60 minute time slots.
  
• Re-examination appointments and "Allergen start-up Exams" are scheduled
  for 30 minutes, and suture removal appointments are 15 minute time slots
  (technician appointments).
  
• While we will do everything possible to get you in-and-out in a timely
  fashion, we provide every patient with individual and personalized care,
  which may in turn lead to slightly longer appointments and/or wait times
  (including procedures).
  
• To be on the safe side, we recommend that you allow 2 hours for your
  appointment.
  
• Procedures that will take longer than an hour will likely be performed
  in the late morning or early afternoon and/or pre-scheduled time (e.g.,
  skin testing, ear flushes, biopsies).
  
• Please DO NOT give your companion animal a bath for at least 7 days
  prior to your scheduled appointment.
  
• We may ask that you leave your companion animal in our care as a day
  case for certain procedures or treatments. Usually, your companion
  animal would be discharged later that afternoon or evening at a
  predetermined time.
  
• The initial appointment includes the formulation of a plan for your
  companion animal-each patient has individual requirements and we cater
  to each patient and his/her specific needs.
  
• If there is the chance that sedation may be required (e.g., skin
  testing), please
  do not feed your companion animal pet at least 6-8 hours prior to your
  appointment (see special note for skin testing below).
  
• Please note all the instructions from your veterinarian, our staff, or
  your dermatologist (e.g., if you are having a post-pill blood level
  checked, it is important to administer the medication as directed at the
  correct time so the test yields accurate results).
  
• The dermatology and allergy service is not a general practice service.
  The service will NOT provide routine vaccinations to your companion
  animal. We strongly encourage at least twice a year routine
  examinations with your primary veterinarian.