Advances in Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment
The Compendium of Continuing Education for the
Practicing Veterinarian. 20:3;258-259,1998.
Advances in Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment
Keith A. Hnilica, DVM, MS
Diplomate ACVD
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Which is the better test? There are few clinical studies that directly compare the patient response rates to immunotherapy formulated based on each of the allergy testing methods. The limited information that is available suggests that the average response rate to immunotherapy vaccine based on serologic allergy testing is about 60% (55%-60% of the dogs treated show good to excellent response); however, if the immunotherapy vaccine is based on intradermal allergy testing about 68% (50%-86%) of treated dogs demonstrate good to excellent response.2-6 I have successfully treated many allergic dogs with immunotherapy formulated using both testing methods; nonetheless, I continue to prefer the intradermal allergy test. Perhaps the ideal allergy test would combine the information provided from both an intradermal and serologic allergy test to render a more complete representation of the dog's allergic condition. Indeed, some veterinary dermatologists have started performing both tests in every animal they evaluate for
atopy.
The key to success with immunotherapy is thorough and continuous patient evaluation and monitoring. Regardless of which testing method is used, if the patients are not appropriately selected and prepared for the allergy test or if the patients are not monitored after the immunotherapy is initiated, the patient's improvement and response to therapy will be poor. Identifying the offending allergens, whether by intradermal or serologic allergy testing, can provide a powerful tool in the treatment of atopic dogs; however, its successful application is a direct result of the veterinarian's attentive patient care.
Disclaimer
All information relayed within this Web resource is for the general education of veterinary students and practitioners. All references to specific products or companies are not an endorsement of the company or its products. All drug information (especially dosages) should be verified prior to the use of each drug. Any diagnostic tests or treatments should be performed by a veterinarian licensed in the state where the patient resides.
