ALLERGY TESTING

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Allergy testing is most commonly performed to determine if a pet has

atopy, also known as atopic dermatitis or allergic inhalant dermatitis.
Allergy tests can help identify the specific allergens causing a pets
allergy problem. Once a list of problem allergens is identified, a
specialized serum containing small quantities of these allergens can be
formulated specifically for your pet.
Allergy testing poses minimal risk for your pet, and in many cases the
information your veterinarian gains from this testing is invaluable.
What Allergies Can Pets Have?
The most common types of allergies in pets are flea allergy, food allergy,
and a condition called atopy. Atopy is sometimes called atopic dermatitis
or allergic inhalant dermatitis, and it occurs when allergens that are
inhaled or that contact the skin cause an allergic reaction in the body. In
dogs (and, less commonly, cats), this allergic reaction is focused largely
in the skin. Animals with atopy become very itchy; the resultant
scratching can lead to skin injuries and subsequent skin infections. Atopy
is usually first noticed in dogs younger than 3 years of age, although older
pets can also be affected. Unfortunately, some pets that develop atopy
continue to have problems throughout their lives.
Many types of allergens can cause a pet to develop atopy. A wide variety
of pollens, grasses, dander, insect proteins (such as in cockroaches),
molds, and even house dust can cause animals to develop atopy. Animals
can even develop allergies to multiple allergens at the same time. Once an
animal develops atopy, the condition will continue as long as the animal
is exposed to the allergen that is the source of the problem.
How Is Allergy Testing Performed?
Allergy testing is most commonly performed to determine if a pet has
atopy. Allergy testing can also help diagnose flea allergy dermatitis. Most
veterinarians do not use allergy testing to diagnose food allergies.
The two most common types of allergy tests used in pets are intradermal
skin testing and serum allergy testing:
Intradermal skin testing: Intradermal skin testing can sometimes be
performed at your veterinarians office. However, because the allergens
used for this test are very specific (they vary depending on where you
live), your veterinarian may refer you to a veterinary dermatologist for
this test to be performed. Usually, an area of fur is shaved from your pets
side or abdomen to expose enough skin to perform the test. Using very
small needles, tiny amounts of each test allergen are injected just under
your pets skin in different areas. After a brief waiting period, the
injection sites are examined to measure the degree of local allergic
response, such as redness or a small hive. Allergens that your pet is not
allergic to will not cause a reaction, while allergens that your pet is
allergic to will cause a reaction that corresponds to the severity of the
allergy. Pets are monitored carefully during the procedure in case a
serious reaction occurs and treatment is required.
Serum allergy testing: Serum allergy testing is performed at a laboratory
using a small blood sample taken from your pet. Your veterinarian does
not need to shave your pet or have special allergens on hand to perform
this test. As with intradermal skin testing, the results of serum allergy
testing can reveal which allergens are not causing an allergic reaction in
your pet, which ones are causing a mild reaction, and which ones are
causing a more serious reaction.
Depending on which type of allergy test is performed, you may need to
discontinue your pets allergy medications for a period of time before the
test. Otherwise, the test results may be affected. Your veterinarian will
tell you which medications can be used and which ones may need to be
discontinued.
What Does Allergy Testing Tell Your Veterinarian?
Allergy tests can help identify the specific allergens that may be at the
root of a pets atopic dermatitis. Once a list of problem allergens is
identified, a specialized serum containing small quantities of these
allergens can be formulated specifically for your pet. Through injection of
small amounts of the allergy serum over time, many pets experience a
reduced response to the allergens. This treatment, called immunotherapy,
generally must be continued for several months to years to achieve
results. With immunotherapy, the pet owner usually administers the
allergy serum injections at home. If you are uncomfortable giving the
injections, ask your veterinary care team if the injections can be given at
your veterinarians office. The first injections are more diluted,
containing only tiny amounts of the problem allergens; each subsequent
injection solution contains a slightly higher concentration of the allergens.
Your veterinarian will schedule the injections according to specific
guidelinesmore frequently in the beginning, and eventually tapering to
one injection every few weeks. Many pets respond to this program.
Others may not, especially if they have other underlying conditions.
Is Allergy Testing Safe?
Very few risks are associated with performing allergy testing. If serum
allergy testing is performed, drawing blood takes only a few seconds, and
your veterinary team will take precautions to ensure that your pet is not
injured during this procedure. Once blood is obtained, all further
processing is performed at the veterinarians office or at a diagnostic
laboratory, so there is no risk of harm to your pet. If intradermal skin
testing is performed, there is a slight risk of an allergic reaction if your
pet responds seriously to some of the allergens being tested. However,
pets are monitored very closely during the testing procedure, and if a
reaction occurs, medications can quickly be administered to treat the
problem. In general, allergy testing poses minimal risks for your pet, and
in many cases, the information your veterinarian gains from this testing is
very valuable.
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Pico Veterinary Hospital is now Open in Yorba Linda and under new
ownership; from All About Cats. We are DOG and CAT friendly. Please
come by and say hello and we are more than happy to offer a 50%
discount to all our first time patients; so we can prove our services to you!
We hope to meet your bestie soon!!

yorba linda vet

#yorbalinda #pets
We look forward to addressing any questions you may have and we hope
to meet you and your bestie at our new Veterinary Hospital location here
in Yorba Linda, Ca.
Yoba Linda Pet Resources:
https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/default.aspx
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care
https://bestfriends.org/resources/general-pet-care
https://bestfriends.org/resources
https://www.avma.org/public/Pages/default.aspx
Yorba Linda Vet
Yorba Linda Veterinarian
Yorba Linda Pet Hospital
Yorba Linda Pet Clinic
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