Dermatology - Allergy Clinic
Receiving Days: Monday (Dr. Olivry), appointments
Objectives
Our faculty specialize in the management of dogs with allergic diseases, especially atopic dermatitis and adverse food reactions.
We have special interest in the pharmacotherapy and immunotherapy of canine atopic dermatitis. New molecules and treatment protocols are investigated as an aid in the control of pruritus and skin lesions. Allergen-specific immunotherapy may be initiated after review of the degree of symptom reduction with pharmacotherapy, amount and type of medication required to control clinical signs and whether or not effective allergen avoidance is feasible.
Facial skin lesions, secondary to
scratching, in a dog with atopic
dermatitis
Intravenous fluorescein often is used
to visualize reactions during intradermal
testing in cats
In order to prescribe allergen-specific immunotherapy, our clinicians perform the following:
- Intradermal testing with mite, molds, danders, and pollen extracts (70 allergens). Purified and standardized house dust mite extracts are utilized. Allergen injection sites are assessed after 20 minutes (immediate-phase reaction) and 6 hours (late-phase reactions)
- Allergen-specific IgE serology: One or more serum tests are performed.
- Selection of allergens for immunotherapy: The results of intradermal and serum IgE tests are collated and the allergens are selected based on concordance of positive results and the patient's symptoms pattern. Web-hosted allergen calendars are utilized for the evaluation of weekly aeroallergen loads.
To reduce the cost of visits and/or allergy testing, the clinicians may offer clients to enter their pets in one of our studies. All studies have been approved by the University Animal Use Committee.
Examples of allergic skin lesions and causes of allergies in animals
Excoriations, erythema and lichenification
in a dog with atopic dermatitis
Section from a skin biopsy obtained
from a dog with atopic dermatitis
Dogs with atopic dermatitis frequently are
found to be hypersensitive to pollens
Pollens from trees, grasses and weeds
are common causes of allergy in dogs
Wheal-and-flare reaction during
intradermal testing in a dog
Mast cell degranulation is involved in the
pathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis