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> Animal Allergies

What is an allergy?

 
An allergy is a reaction through contact, ingestion or inhalation of an allergen, such as pollens, insects or foods. If an animal is repeatedly exposed to an allergen the resistance of their immune system will weaken often resulting in poor health.

Allergic reactions can be immediate (classical) or occur within a few hours or days (delayed); delayed allergy is more commonly called "intolerance". Therefore the detection of allergies through traditional methods of trial and elimination can be a difficult and lengthy process.

For example, you may feed a balanced diet but if the animal is still ill, it may be due to one of the components of the diet or something in the environment causing an allergic reaction.
 

What are the symptoms of allergies? 

 
The symptoms are similar for canines and felines, the most prevalent signs of an allergy are:
  • Skin Problems - Scratching, face rubbing, paw chewing, hot spots or rashes, persistent licking and over grooming 
  • Gastrointestinal Problems - Diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight problems
  • Respiratory Problems
  • Ear Problems
  • Hair Loss 
  • Low Stamina and Energy Levels
  • Behavioural Problems
Both cats or dogs may display some or all of the above symptoms. It is sometimes difficult to observe the animal scratching or rubbing itself as many won't lick or scratch in front of their owner. Please refer to the Allergy & Your Pet leaflet for more details. 
 
Horse symptoms are slightly different, please refer to the Allergy & Your Horse leaflet for more details.

 

Identification of allergies

 
Accurate diagnosis of allergies using the SENSITEST® Allergy Test requires a small sample of blood to be taken by a veterinary surgeon. This is then sent to our laboratory, where we specialise in serological allergy testing.
 
The SENSITEST® Allergy Tests identify the level of anti-bodies in the animal's blood corresponding to the clinical signs of allergy. These results pinpoint the offending allergen and the level of reaction, resulting in a Class Score on a scale of 0 - 5.
 
To find out how to submit a sample visit our Submitting a SENSITEST® page.