Allergy Tests

[Kelly_Louise]

Can anyone please let me know what is involved in an allergy test for dogs – to determine what may be causing allergic reactions? How long do they take, what do they do etc?

Chloe has been having some pretty bad allergic reactions for the past few days, runny eyes, lumps over head/nose/throat, and itchy/rashy skin – and we are keeping her comfortable on human antihistamines – but I don’t like giving them to her everyday, so we need to find out asap what is causing these symptoms. She can’t have cortisone because of her Cushings, so our only alternative at this stage is the antihistamines. Just trying to gather some information on the testing and what we can expect please!

Thank you!

[lillim]

Misha was put on an elimination diet for six weeks before the testing, to rule out food allergies. The testing for environmental allergens involved Misha being knocked out, the side of her being shaved and concentrates of allergens exposed to small parts of her skin, each reaction was given a rating and the allergens with the highest reactions where the things she was allergic too.

I think it took about 1.5 hours, well worth it other than Misha looked like a Borg with all the dots on her shaved side .

Misha is allergic to dust mites something that I would never of thought of and don't think I could of worked out any other way than getting the test done.

This is though my very basic understanding of the process, I'm sure someone else could give you a more detailed description.

[sas]

There are different types of allergen testing such as Intradermal which the allergen is applied to a shaved portion of the skin, I believe the results are discussed with you that day and you decide whether you want to go ahead with the desensitizing injections which may or may not work.

Then there is Blood allergen testing, there are a couple of different tests i.e. $200 v $500 test, they test for a range of different allergens, they test for food as well which is considered not possible. In addition your dog could get a positive on a certain allergen int he blood test but that doesn't mean your dog is currently reacting to that allergen.

Intradermal is considered to be the bees knees of allergy testing.

How come you don't like to give anti-histimines daily if that's keeping her comfortable?

If you dog is only had allergic responses for a couple of days, it could be anything, you'd really only want to spend the $ because intra dermal is not cheap if you are having a long term allergy problem.

Dante can't have the intra-dermal as he's on Cortisone, he's had the blood allergen testing but even then you don't know if you're getting false positives, we also did the desenitising injections. It took about 10 days to get the results back.

Edited May 4, 2010 by sas

[Kelly_Louise]

Well I just don't feel that it's good for her to be taking human medication, and I am not sure if it is good for her long term. I haven't spoken to the vet about long term usage of them, so am a bit unsure and hesitant.

She has had allergic reactions on a couple of occasions over the years, but they only lasted a day or two. Personally, I feel it is something in the grass, and only happens at certain times of the year. However this one has lasted since Saturday, and is not showing any signs of letting up, and she is very uncomfortable and whingy.

She has gone in for her Cushings test today, so I'm not eager to rush her into another test just yet. Basically I just wanted an understanding as I have no idea what is involved, costs, success rates etc. But I figure, if it is giong to continue wouldn't it be best to know what is causing it so we have a chance of perhaps lessening the risk?

Thanks for the info everyone, it's seems to be a very complicated process. If only they could talk hey?

[sas]

Well I just don't feel that it's good for her to be taking human medication, and I am not sure if it is good for her long term. I haven't spoken to the vet about long term usage of them, so am a bit unsure and hesitant.

She has had allergic reactions on a couple of occasions over the years, but they only lasted a day or two. Personally, I feel it is something in the grass, and only happens at certain times of the year. However this one has lasted since Saturday, and is not showing any signs of letting up, and she is very uncomfortable and whingy.

She has gone in for her Cushings test today, so I'm not eager to rush her into another test just yet. Basically I just wanted an understanding as I have no idea what is involved, costs, success rates etc. But I figure, if it is giong to continue wouldn't it be best to know what is causing it so we have a chance of perhaps lessening the risk?

Thanks for the info everyone, it's seems to be a very complicated process. If only they could talk hey?

Many of the meds we give our dogs are human meds or derived from human meds, just check with your vet as they can give you the correct dossage rates for the human anti-histmynes

[Kelly_Louise]

Thanks sas - we were told to give her 2 tablets 120mg each. Seems to work, she does get a bit drowsy - although when the tablets wear off she gets very anxious, pacing, whining, scratching, rubbing so doesn't get much rest so it may just be once she feels better she relaxes and wants to sleep.

So you don't see any negative long term effects with using antihistamines? I'm hoping that it is a seasonal grass thing and will clear up soon as per usual.

Her normal vet did say that the antihistamine shot is the same as the human Telfast tablets she has been getting anyway, but I guess it just doesn't feel right. If it keeps her comfortable though, I guess it's what we'll keep on doing.

[sas]

Thanks sas - we were told to give her 2 tablets 120mg each. Seems to work, she does get a bit drowsy - although when the tablets wear off she gets very anxious, pacing, whining, scratching, rubbing so doesn't get much rest so it may just be once she feels better she relaxes and wants to sleep.

So you don't see any negative long term effects with using antihistamines? I'm hoping that it is a seasonal grass thing and will clear up soon as per usual.

Her normal vet did say that the antihistamine shot is the same as the human Telfast tablets she has been getting anyway, but I guess it just doesn't feel right. If it keeps her comfortable though, I guess it's what we'll keep on doing.

Anti histimines never worked for my boy and he was on all different ones for a long time, no long term evident issues. He lives oon Cortisone.

[Kelly_Louise]

Yes, cortisone was a Godsend for Chloe when she had her first really bad allergic reaction about 3 years back... however, it was only then that we discovered she had Cushings... so not more cortisone for her

Thankfully the antihistamines seem to be helping... otherwise goodness knows what we'd do.

Thanks for the advice, might just keep her on them a few more days, then if it continues then back to the vet for their advice on where to go from here.

[Erny]

Can anyone please let me know what is involved in an allergy test for dogs – to determine what may be causing allergic reactions? How long do they take, what do they do etc? Chloe has been having some pretty bad allergic reactions for the past few days, runny eyes, lumps over head/nose/throat, and itchy/rashy skin – and we are keeping her comfortable on human antihistamines – but I don’t like giving them to her everyday, so we need to find out asap what is causing these symptoms. She can’t have cortisone because of her Cushings, so our only alternative at this stage is the antihistamines. Just trying to gather some information on the testing and what we can expect please!Thank you!

Hi KL. What I'm about to post really doesn't go anywhere near to answering your question, so I apologise in advance, but perhaps my thought/s might give you an alternative 'lead' on what you might be able to do to assist Chloe (maybe). And before I say anything, I do not mean for you to veer away from your Vet/specialist nor go against what is prescribed for Chloe's Cushings disease.

You know my boy has had health issues that have shown up in the form of skin issues. I had the usual bloods etc done and nothing in particular showed as being amiss, including liver function.

Yet, when I took him more recently (last December) to the Naturopath that we now see, "liver function" was what she was certain was the problem and that is one of the main (but not only) things that she targeted with her natural medications and diet recommendations.

Simultaneous to this first appointment with the Naturopath, I also decided to send a hair sample for analysis. The results from that test pointed to "liver function" issue as well. So I had both things pointing to the same.

I think it goes without saying that Chloe's system is in a weakened state - who could blame it, for all the meds she's needed to take to address the Cushings (a necessity, I know). But I wonder if her system is telling you similar to what my boy's was. IE That the liver wasn't able to detox the body sufficiently and so those toxins are coming out via the skin.

I also wonder if you too were to do similar to myself (hair analysis and naturopath), what they would say/suggest.

I have each person I'm involved with for the professional care and guidance of my dog's health, knowing what the other has prescribed in the form of medication. I check one with the other, to ensure they're in agreement that what they prescribe will not conflict with the prescription of the other, but rather, will add and/or enhance. I feel as though each (especially the Naturopath) are working WITH me as a 'team' and I'm fortunate to not have any one of them insulted by the fact that I seek and receive alternative professional assistance.

I think contact allergy testing (to determine WHAT the dog is reacting to) requires an area to be shaved and a series of substances injected within that area, watching for the reaction to each of the substances. I've seen a picture of it by someone else here on DOL who has had it done. In that DOLer's case, I think there were stitches involved, although I haven't the foggiest as to why they were deemed necessary.

My point though being, what is the cause of Chloe's allergy reaction (ie is it contact allergy at all) and if it is contact allergy, what is it about her system that is unable to cope with them?

As I said - this doesn't really go towards answering your question, but through my own experiences, I can't help my first port of call being to address the dog's system and aiding that in being able to better deal with things, whether that be through something like helping to improve/support liver function or otherwise.

Just my thoughts based on my own experiences with my own boy. Vast as they are, I recognise that my dog is different to yours, with different issues, so I may be completely off base.

Edited May 4, 2010 by Erny

[zayda_asher]

I think contact allergy testing (to determine WHAT the dog is reacting to) requires an area to be shaved and a series of substances injected within that area, watching for the reaction to each of the substances. I've seen a picture of it by someone else here on DOL who has had it done. In that DOLer's case, I think there were stitches involved, although I haven't the foggiest as to why they were deemed necessary.

Its intradermal testing where the patch is shaved and antigens are injected, no stitches involved either. There was someone who said their dog (many years ago) was tested and had biopsies done that needed stitching, but I don't know what that test is, certainly not a standard or normal allergy test. Intradermal testing is for atopy (air borne - pollens, moulds etc.) and insect reactions.

A patch test for contact allergy involves placing the antigen on a patch of skin (belly or inside leg, or a shaved patch) and covering it for 24-72hrs and looking for a reaction. You know on the box of hair dye how it tells you to put a little of the product on your arm and see if you react BEFORE you put it on your head? That's a patch test.

If you find an antihistamine that works for your dog and its not contraindicated with any of her other meds, use it! They are considered to have very low side effects and benign for long term use.

Edited May 4, 2010 by zayda_asher

[Kelly_Louise]

Wow... thank you guys. So much information - and I feel so much less stressed and confused by it all. I am heartened to know that antihistamines are not 'bad' for her, especially if she needs longer term usage. However, her 'allergy' reaction seems to be lessening slowly - and she did not require any yesterday, so *fingers crossed* it is now passing. ZA, thanks for that info - very reassuring :D

Now that I know what is involved in the patch test - I'm not overly keen to put her through that. She goes through so much shaving, poking, prodding, tests etc - that I would hate to put her through more unless it is absolutely necessary.

Erny, you know I'm a big fan - so of course you know that I will look into what you have suggested. May not apply to us, however, it's worth a shot for us, and worth investigation. I'd love to be able to get to the source - so that we are not just masking the symptoms once they occur. Let's be honest, Chloe doesn't have alot of years left (although I like to think at least another 3 ) so I'd like to make them as comfortable, and as least intrusive as possible. The last few years have been ops, tests, meds rather consistently - so I'll do what I can to make sure her system is as strong as possible. Thanks for always thinking outside the box, and offering a different view

I get her Cushings test results back today - so I'm hoping that they are at least good.

[zayda_asher]

The biggest benefit to you in testing, it sounds, would be a) to know what she is reacting to so you can remove anything easily removed from the immediate environs and b) to try immunotherapy, which may mean you don't need to use other meds with her (she sounds like a mild case if she only has problems every so often, so if she responds well to immunotherapy that may be enough).

You could start with a blood test and go from there... blood tests are best done in conjunction with intradermal testing, but there's nothing stopping you from doing one on its own, just be aware that they are not accurate for diagnosing food reactions in dogs and cats (even though they test for them). Bloods on its own is less invasive and I would imagine you'd draw bloods at some stage for Cushings tests anyway?? So not hard to collect another vial whilst you're at it... According to my Derm the HESKA Elisa blood panel is the better one to use.

[Kelly_Louise]

You're definitely right ZA, that's what my thinking was... I was 'hoping' to find out what could be causing it, and then remove. Seeing it's not a constant thing, I was also 'hoping' that whatever it was, could be more easily eliminated or exposure lessened. I'm fairly certain that it's not a food allergy, I can't say 100%, but I'm almost 99.9% sure it's not. She's been on a few different foods due to her weight issues, and it's never been a problem. It does seem to be seasonal... but again, I can't say anything definitely, I'm no expert.

My plan was also to have some extra blood drawn yesterday, but because their Dermatologist is booked up way in advance and it was late notice, it didn't happen. But she is used to having blood drawn, so that won't be a big deal to have it done again. It's a normal practice for her unfortunately.

So we'll see how she goes, see how her results are today, and I'll talk to both vets. In the meantime, the antihists are working for her, thankfully so will at least keep her comfortable. It's just awful to see her come up in lumpy welts, see her head covered in big lumps and get so swollen, it's actually a little scary to see. One of the vets she saw originally said she's never seen raised welts like that on a dogs head before.

Between that and Cushings, she's a worry... but she's still the loveliest little girl ever

[Kelly_Louise]

Good news is that Chloe's allergies seem to be easing off... and her test results came back quite good. A little on the low side, so her meds are being rolled back a little - so the increase in her cortisol levels should help with further easing the allergy symptoms too He seems to think that with her allergy being so infrequent that we should continue to monitor her for the time being (and I will investigate natural sources to help build immunity) - and has also put a flag on an antibiotic that she was given for an eye irritation. The original vet indicated that it may have been a reaction to the AB (but I don't believe so) - but they have flagged her file with this just as a precaution. Better to be safe than sorry and potentially avoid a recurrence.

But specialist was very happy with her, and she is a happier girl Wouldn't dare hope for more than that right now

I truly appreciate everyone helps, advice, thoughts and tips. What would Chloe and I do without such wonderful support? :D

Edited May 6, 2010 by Kelly_Louise

[sas]

So what would you be building immunity for if allergies are due to an over active immune system?

[Kelly_Louise]

Is that possible? This is all a bit new to me - so I was just going to look into what Erny was discussing, see if there is anything that could help her not be as susceptible to these allergy attacks. But I'm really not sure, it's very difficult to manage when you're also trying to manage Cushings as well - it's not so cut and dry as I wish it was.

[stormie]

Generally with allergic dogs, you're dealing with an overactive immune system - its reacting to everyday things which it shouldn't be.

I'm all for getting dogs into 'optimum' health with an appropriate diet for them (one they do best on) and supplementing with things they need, but I personally stay away from the things that claim to 'boost immune system'.

[Jen21]

Does anyone know where to find exactly out what is tested for in the Intradermal Test?

My dog was tested about 4 months ago and was negative to all allergens, but I was never given details of exactly what against?

After such a unhelpful response, the "skin specialist" Vet was determined to put him on drugs for life

But we're on an elimination diet instead

He only eats Roo, potato, pumpkin & carrot these days (including bones), and loves his new diet, and it appears to have lessened the scratching somewhat...

Erny can you pass on details of the Naturopath you saw or how to find a good one?

Edited May 10, 2010 by Jen21

[sas]

Is that possible? This is all a bit new to me - so I was just going to look into what Erny was discussing, see if there is anything that could help her not be as susceptible to these allergy attacks. But I'm really not sure, it's very difficult to manage when you're also trying to manage Cushings as well - it's not so cut and dry as I wish it was.

It's the terminology I think....

Boosting i.e. asking the immune system to perform at a higher level that it is acting at now vs trying to normalise the immune system to not being overactive to allergens.

If 'Boosting' the immune system worked we wouldn't have allergic dogs....can only dream.

[sas]

Does anyone know where to find exactly out what is tested for in the Intradermal Test?

My dog was tested about 4 months ago and was negative to all allergens, but I was never given details of exactly what against?

After such a unhelpful response, the "skin specialist" Vet was determined to put him on drugs for life

But we're on an elimination diet instead

He only eats Roo, potato, pumpkin & carrot these days (including bones), and loves his new diet, and it appears to have lessened the scratching somewhat...

Erny can you pass on details of the Naturopath you saw or how to find a good one?

You'd need to contact your dermatologist.

If your dogs allergens can't be controlled by diet or removing the offending allergen or by other random methods then drugs would be the normal course because you're looking at quality of life.

I think it's extremely odd for a dog to come up as negative to all allergens, was it the blood allergen test rather than the Intradermal one where the allergen is injected into the skin?