Introduction:
As a pet science blog author, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with allergies in dogs. From personal anecdotes to scientific insights, I’ve come to understand that allergy testing is a crucial step in diagnosing and treating atopy (inhalation allergies) and, to some extent, contact allergies in our beloved canines. In this article, I’ll delve into the different types of allergy testing available, their pros and cons, and how they can help pet parents like you and me in managing our dogs’ allergies more effectively.
Symptoms and Prevalence of Atopy in Dogs
Scratching, licking the feet, chewing, and red irritated skin are all telltale signs of atopy in dogs. This condition arises from allergens such as pollen, dust, or mold that dogs inhale. While flea bite allergies are also common, atopy stands out as the most prevalent cause of allergies in dogs. Once a specific allergen is identified, immunotherapy through hyposensitization injections can be administered.
Types of Allergy Testing for Dogs
Dog allergy testing primarily revolves around two methods: blood tests and intradermal skin testing. The blood test, which checks for antigen-induced antibodies, is the most common approach. Two standard blood tests are the RAST (radioallergosorbent) and the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), with many practitioners favoring the latter for its accuracy.
On the other hand, intradermal skin testing involves injecting a small amount of antigen into the dog’s skin and observing the reaction after a short period. This method offers a more definitive diagnosis but is not always the first choice due to its complexity and the need for a veterinary dermatologist’s expertise.
Blood Testing: RAST and ELISA
Both RAST and ELISA tests require a blood sample from the dog, which is then screened for reactions to a wide range of allergens. However, these tests, originally designed for humans, can yield false positives in dogs due to differences in circulating antibodies. Despite this, they are still used in specific situations where skin testing is not feasible.
Of the two, the ELISA test is deemed more accurate and is the recommended choice when a blood test is necessary.
Intradermal Skin Testing: The Gold Standard
Intradermal skin testing is considered the gold standard for diagnosing atopy in dogs. It involves injecting an antigen into the dog’s shaved skin and observing the reaction to identify the specific allergen. This method has a high success rate, especially when performed during the peak allergy season. However, it requires the expertise of a veterinary dermatologist and a period of abstinence from steroids or antihistamines prior to testing.
Commonalities in Allergy Testing
Both blood and intradermal skin tests are most effective when conducted during the season when allergies are at their worst. Once allergens are identified, a customized immunotherapy can be developed for the dog. It’s also crucial to rule out other potential causes of skin problems, such as ectoparasites, fungal infections, and hypothyroidism, before proceeding with allergy testing.
Additionally, a trial period on a homemade or hypoallergenic diet is often recommended before testing to rule out food allergies.
Commitment to Treatment
It’s important to note that allergy testing and subsequent treatment, which may involve numerous injections over an extended period, require a strong commitment from pet owners. If immunotherapy is not offered or if the owner is not prepared for the follow-up treatment, the testing process may prove to be a futile endeavor.
Who Should Be Allergy Tested?
Allergy testing is recommended for dogs experiencing allergies for more than four months a year or those not responding to traditional treatments. While mild cases may be managed with avoidance strategies, fatty acids, and antihistamines, moderate to severe cases should be tested and treated accordingly.
One of the challenges in allergy testing is finding a veterinarian proficient in performing these tests and