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There
are several types of allergy tests performed by Veterinary
Dermatologists. The goal
of allergy testing is to identify specific substances that are causing
an allergic reaction, so that desensitization through allergy shots may
be attempted.
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Most Veterinary Dermatologists use a
method of allergy testing known
 as intradermal skin testing. This involves the
injection of very small amounts of pollens (from trees, weeds,
and grasses), molds, and insect extracts into the superficial layers
of the skin. The test is
administered under a light sedative/analgesic so that the
patient (dog, cat, or horse) feels no discomfort. This is the only type of
allergy testing used at Gulf Coast Veterinary Dermatology &
Allergy (except in very rare cases), as we feel it is the most reliable
method. As specialists in Dermatology, it is our duty to offer "top-of-the-line" service.
- Many non-specialists routinely use blood testing methods.
There is a great deal of controversy about the reliability of blood
testing, since the organ that is affected (the skin) is not the organ
being tested for a reaction. There are several different types of blood
tests offered by biomedical companies, which may vary in accuracy of
results, and in success rates when allergy shots are based on these
results.
- An important point to understand is that neither blood
testing nor intradermal skin testing are useful for identifying allergy
to foods. Although some companies offer blood tests for food allergy, we
cannot promote their use. For the same reason, we do not offer skin
testing for food allergy. Instead, we use specialized hypoallergenic
diet trials containing novel or hydrolized ingredients.
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