Animal Allergy Testing

Allergy testing and your pet

Like us, pets can also experience allergies. Springtime pollen, irritating shampoos, and even food allergies can be a plight for pets. Luckily, allergy testing can often identify the cause of your pet’s reaction.

How is it done?

Your pet can be screened for a list of environmental allergens with a simple blood test. The sample is sent to a laboratory where tests will determine the cause and severity of your pet’s allergy.

How does it help?

The best treatment for an allergy is to avoid contact with the offending substance. However, this is not always possible. In many cases, intermittent treatment is necessary. Steroids, antibiotics, antihistamines, special shampoos or supplements can be used to treat allergies. However, if used for too long, steroid drugs can have adverse side effects. Antibiotics and antihistamines can amount to considerable expense. Allergin-positive pets may benefit from desensitising vaccines specially formulated for your pet. The aim is control of your pet’s allergy whilst minimising the need for additional drugs.

How successful is it?

Dogs and cats, like people, are individuals.  No two dogs or cats are exactly the same and neither are their allergies.  Therefore, some patients will respond better than others. Allergy shots are not a quick cure for your pet’s allergies. Rather, they are safer, and in many cases,  cheaper than alternative treatment methods.

What is the treatment process?

The initial blood test is taken in a normal veterinary appointment. When the treatment vials are analysed by a laboratory, a regime of injections is commenced. If your pet develops clinical symptoms of their allergy during treatment, they can be controlled by the use of antibiotics or shampoos. Steroid use during desensitisation is avoided.

Your Greencross Vet will administer the injections during tailored, scheduled visits. Speak with your local Greencross Vets if you are concerned about allergies in your pet.

 
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