Diagnosing allergy (sv)
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 ELISAQ™). 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 Increase sensitivity). Thanks to this progress, we now have a more 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 for typically 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.
Dog, cat, horse
Frequently Asked Questions about Artuvetrin Serum Test
Influence of corticosteroids, antihistaminics and cyclosporine.
Corticosteroids can interferer with the test when given at immunosuppressive dosage. If the animal is under high corticosteroids dosage (> 0,5 mg/kg/d), a withdrawal of 3-4 weeks is required.
Cyclosporine: it is an immunomodulator drug which dosage is 5 mg/kg/d. A recent study has demonstrated that using Cyclosporine during 30 days does not have a significant statistical effect in IDT or serology. (Investigation on the effects of ciclosporin (Atopica) on intradermal test reactivity and allergen-specific immunoglobulin (IgE) serology in atopic dogs. Vet Dermatology, 21, 393-399).
Antihistaminics do not interfere with serological test (they does interfere with intradermal testing).
Oclacitin¡nib (Apoquel). Zoetis tell that it doesn’t interfere (lnvestigation of the effects of 30 day administration of oclacitinib on intradermal and allergen-specific lgE serology testing in atopic dogs. Vet Dermatology 2015, 26, 133-159)
Cytopoint (lokimevat): not enough experience or studies
Although the symptoms have an allergic origin clearly, the results are negative. Why?
It is necessary to rule out some factors that can lead to false negative results:
Animal’s age: it is likely that animals less than 1 year do not produce enough levels of IgE because they have not been in contact too much time with the allergens and also its immune system is immature. In these cases, the test should be repeated after the animal is 1 year old.
Corticosteroids at immunosuppressive dosage: if the animal is under high corticosteroid dosage, it can interfere with the test. The best would be to repeat the test after a withdrawal of 3 weeks or decrease the dosage (anti-inflammatory dosage).
There is a little percentage of animals that do not produce high levels of IgE. In this case, we can wait until the animal has a high relapse and obtain a sample 15 days or if the symptomatology is seasonal, repeat the test in that season. Although these recommendations, the test can be negative again. (“A retrospective study of 21 cases of Atopic-like dermatitis” Prelaud and Cochet-Faivre).
Is it possible to make the test only for one allergen?
It is not, because the technique is made in a plate with specific allergens and it can not be modified. The only allergens that can be tested separately are Malassezia, Staphilococus and Flea.
Which is the most suitable feed?
According to the age, breed and physiological state, the veterinarian must choose the best feed for the animal from a list of feeds provided with the report.
Although the test is negative to food allergens, it is always advisable to provide a specific skin diet in order to improve the skin condition.
Do the allergies increase with the age?
Animals very sensitive can develop allergies to new allergens with age.
Although an animal has been negative to food allergens, it can develop allergy in the future.
A decompensation in animals well controlled with the immunotherapy can suggest that a new allergen is involved.
Is it necessary to send a new sample to open the panels?
It is not necessary because we keep the remaining sample frozen during 3 months. During this time, the veterinarian can order new tests without sending more sample.
Is it necessary to send the sample refrigerated?
It is not necessary because IgE does not degrade until 56ºC. Besides this, our tubes have a preservative (timerosal) with bacteriostatic effect in order to avoid the contamination.
How much time does the test take?
It usually takes 2 days to get the results. When the results are available, they are sent by mail or fax, and after by post.
Is it necessary the animal is fasting to obtain the sample?
It is not because the lipid and glucose levels do not interfere with the test.
Is it possible to detect respiratory allergic problems with this technique?
Yes, because high levels of IgE (the immunoglobulin detected with the technique) are produced in allergic pathologies regardless of the symptoms.
Is there any problem if the serum is hemolysate or lipemic?
Hemoglobin can interfere and produce positive false results. Lipids do not interfere with the immunoglobulin levels detected.
Dog and cat
Frequently Asked Questions about Artuvetrin Serum Test
What kind and quantity of sample is necessary?
3 ml of serum are required, although the test can be done with 1.5ml. We ask for 3 ml in case we have to repeat the test and to store the sample in our premises. We preserve the sample frozen during 3 months.
To obtain the serum the veterinarian must centrifuge the blood without anticoagulant and pick up the supernatant.
Which is the proper age for making the test?
It is advisable to make the test from 1 year old to be sure that the animal’s immune system is completely mature and that it has been in contact with all the seasonal allergens. If the veterinarian decides to do the test, we have to tell him that the results can change after the animal is one year old and that this first results can not be 100% reliable to make the immunotherapy.
Horse
Frequently Asked Questions about Artuvetrin Serum Test
What kind and quantity of sample is necessary?
5 ml of serum are required.
Is it possible to make a previous screening?
No, the only available tests for horses are the panels.
Which is the proper age for making the test?
It is advisable to make the test from 1.5 year old.