DERMATOLOGY
Shaping the future of animal health
The Use of Allergy Serology
and Allergen Specific
Immunotherapy (ASIT)
in the Management
of Canine Atopic
Dermatitis
Dr Rick Last (BVSc; M.Med.Vet
(Path); MRCVS)
Specialist Veterinary Pathologist
At the outset it is important to remember that
allergy serology is not a diagnostic test used for
the confirmation of a diagnosis of canine atopic
dermatitis (CAD). Diagnosis of atopy is based on
meeting specific historical and clinical criteria (Favrot’s
criteria) and ruling out other possible causes of similar
dermatological and clinical signs. Strict control of
ectoparasites, exclusion of bacterial and/or fungal
dermatitis and ruling out cutaneous lymphoma,
running of elimination diet trials and/or performing
the food reaction test (FRT) forms part of the clinical
workup of any atopic patient.
In an animal with these historical and clinical criteria,
the presence of allergen specific IgE is considered
highly significant. Only once the clinical diagnosis
of canine atopic dermatitis has been made, is allergy
serology considered and then only as a test to identify
potential triggering allergens to include in an allergen
specific immunotherapy vaccine.
The first detailed description on the use of allergen
specific immunotherapy in dogs, was described by
Wittich in 1941. He demonstrated allergic sensitization
to ragweed pollen and response to allergen specific
immunotherapy (ASIT). So ASIT has been known as
a therapeutic tool for canine atopic dermatitis for
over 75 years and has become an important and
foundational treatment for atopic dermatitis in dogs,
cats and horses.
There are a growing number of studies that have
documented the effectiveness of ASIT in allergic
disease in animals. It remains currently the only therapy
that can modify, or reverse part of the pathogenesis
of CAD, both alleviating clinical signs and preventing
progression of the condition. In addition, ASIT has
minimal adverse effects with lifelong treatment and
provides the possibility for long-lasting effectiveness.
The International Committee for Allergic Diseases of
Animals co-ordinates and reviews scientific and clinical
research into the following areas of atopic dermatitis
•
Pathogenesis.
Issue 04 | SEPTEMBER 2018 | 15