Good to know before you visit.
Still unsure about something? Call the clinic or send a message and a team member will get back to you.
Answers before your first visit
Before your first visit
Do I need a referral from my family veterinarian?
A referral is the usual route and it keeps your own vet in the loop, but pet owners are also welcome to request an initial consultation directly. We will simply ask for your pet’s recent medical history so nothing is repeated unnecessarily.
What is a board certified veterinary dermatologist?
A veterinarian who has completed a residency programme and examinations with the American College of Veterinary Dermatology. Dr. Bajwa became a Diplomate ACVD in 2014 and has worked in dermatology-only practice since.
What happens at the first dermatology appointment?
We take a full history, examine your pet’s skin and ears, and run the diagnostics that are appropriate on the day — often cytology, and video-otoscopy where ears are involved. You leave with a written plan.
How should I prepare?
Complete the questionnaires we send, bring your pet fasted overnight, do not bathe them for 5–7 days beforehand, and bring every treatment and shampoo used in the last year. Arrive about 10 minutes early for paperwork.
Do you treat cats as well as dogs?
Yes. We are an exclusively small animal practice and see both cats and dogs for skin, ear and allergy conditions.
Allergies and testing
How long does allergy treatment take to work?
Infections and flare-ups often improve within weeks, while immunotherapy works gradually over a longer period. We review progress at scheduled follow-ups rather than leaving you to judge it alone.
Will allergy testing tell us about food allergies?
No. Allergy testing is typically not used to test for food allergies, which is why a food elimination trial is recommended before or after the skin test. Approximately 30% of pets may have both environmental and food allergies.
Why does my pet need to stop certain treatments before testing?
Some treatments interfere with the results of intradermal testing. Washout periods range from 5 days for medicated baths up to 90 days for long-acting injectable corticosteroids. Your veterinary dermatologist will confirm the exact products and withdrawal times for your pet before testing.
Are environmental allergies curable?
Generally no — but they can be managed well, resulting in good control of allergies and related symptoms. While allergies are for life, a lot can be done to prevent them affecting your pet’s quality of life.
Ears
Why does my pet’s ear infection keep coming back?
A recurring ear infection is usually a sign of an underlying primary problem such as skin allergies, ear mites or thyroid disease. Treating the infection alone tends to buy time rather than resolve the cause.
What is video-otoscopy?
A magnified, illuminated view of the whole ear canal using our Storz unit. It increases the likelihood of identifying the underlying problem or deeper complications such as ruptured tympanic membranes, otitis media and inflammatory polyps — and you can see the canal on screen during the consultation.
Appointments and policies
How much notice do you need to change an appointment?
Please allow at least 72 hours’ notice to change or cancel appointments. Full details are on our appointment cancellation policy page.
Do you offer online consultations?
Yes, for existing clients, as follow-up appointments. See our telemedicine page for how it works.
Which clinic will we be seen at?
Whichever suits you — Vancouver or Surrey. Let us know your preference when you book, or tell your referring vet.
Do you publish prices?
Fees depend on the consultation type and any procedures involved, so please call the clinic for current pricing. An initial exam, follow-up or technician appointment fee is required at the time of booking to secure your appointment.
Ask us directly.
If your question is not answered here, our team is happy to talk it through.
Still have a question?
Send us a message with the detail you have and we will point you in the right direction.