Diagnosing allergy

A proper allergy diagnosis requires a thorough physical examination including a complete clinical history. All other known causes of itching must be ruled out before atopy can be diagnosed. When other triggers of the symptoms can be ruled out, allergy testing should be the next step.

The anamnesis should also include an understanding of the sleeping area (floor covering, pillows, blankets, etc.), the food (food allergy), the presence of other animals (atopy based on animal epithelium) and the vegetation in the patient’s indoor and outdoor environment. The effect of previously prescribed treatments may also generate valuable information.

Identifying the cause of allergies

The Alergovet Serological Test identifies a wide range of environmental and foods allergens. The environmental panels vary between countries or regions containing allergens that are clinically relevant and characteristic of these specific areas, including also flea and Malassezia.

We offer two different type of test:

  • SAT ELISA™: is a screening test determines if allergen-specific IgE antibodies are present (positive/negative to environmental/foods), without specifying the individual outcome for each of the allergens tested except for flea and Malassezia. Based on the result, a breakdown of the individual allergens can be requested
  • PET ELISA™ / EQUINE ELISA™: These panels specifies the individual outcome for each one of the allergens tested (in dogs and cats in PET ELISA™ and horses in EQUINE ELISA™). These results are easily interpretable, together with clear advice and support. Only after executing this detailed panel, it is possible to design an allergen-specific immunotherapy.

Our Alergovet Serological Test and Artuvetrin Skin Test – are at the forefront with respect to sensitivity and specificity.

  • Fast, specific and reliable results
  • Industry leading turnaround time for serum test – results available within 2 business days after arrival to our laboratory
  • Suitable for dogs, cats and horses
  • 100% accuracy between screening test and detailed allergy panel results
  • Panels designed for specific regions including malassezia
  • Easy-to-read and interpret test results
  • Recommendation for custom-made allergen-specific immunotherapy treatment
  • Free, world-class support with our veterinary allergy experts

Latest technology in allergy testing

The Alergovet Serological Test uses highly specific monoclonal antibodies generated from recombinant dog and horse IgE (rIgE). This rIgE was used to produce and clone selected hybridomas, which enabled the development of new monoclonal antibodies specifically against the Fc part of IgE (100% specificity). Each of these monoclonal antibodies recognizes different and specific IgE epitopes, which increases sensitivity. Thanks to this progress, we now have the most specific and sensitive allergy test for dogs, cats.

Dogs and cats:

  • 3 monoclonal antibodies (OLYGO.3mAb) for higher specificity and sensitivity
  • 100% reliable screening test, including separate flea and Malassezia
  • Panels adapted to each country / region

Horses:

  • Horse-specific antibody for higher specificity and sensitivity
  • 100% reliable screening test
  • Specially composed horse panel including insects

Instructions for sending samples

  1. Obtain the serum and place the sample into the Alergovet tube. This tube does not require refrigeration as IgE is stable for a long time.
  2. Fill in the information required on the REQUEST FORM, indicating which diagnosis panel(s) you wish to perform. Check that the address is clearly indicated, as well as the telephone number, fax and e-mail address.
  3. Place the request form and the tube with the serum in the padded envelope provided for this purpose. Ensure that the envelope and the tube are well-sealed and send by ordinary post or courier.
  4. You will receive the test results by fax or e-mail two days after we get the sample.

Artuvetrin Skin Test

The Artuvetrin Skin Test determines to which substances a dog is allergic, by injecting small amounts of different allergens in the pet’s skin. Subsequently, it is possible to evaluate whether or not a local reaction develops at the site of the injection.

Based on the clinical history of the patient, it is possible to perform a skin test with the most relevant allergens. We have about 80 different allergens available for skin testing.

Before carrying out the skin test, any medication that could affect the allergy and itching – including prednisone, cyclosporine and antihistamine – must be suspended, typically for 2 – 6 weeks. The skin test is carried out on the lateral thorax of the patient after carefully shaving a patch.

A small quantity (0.05 ml) of the allergen and control solutions (positive and negative control) is injected into the skin at different places. After 15-20 minutes, all the injection sites are assessed on skin swelling (wheal formation). If a pet is allergic to a certain substance, an inflammation reaction will appear in the skin, expressed in swelling. The extent of swelling is compared with the extent of swelling of the positive and negative control. This way, it is possible to determine the substances to which the pet is allergic. Naturally, an animal may be allergic to many substances.