ALLERGY TESTING?

[karin hamlin]

O.K. so I am interested in exactly what the testing involves. Is it painful? Is it accurate? What exactly do they do? Can my normal Vet do this? I am not that worried about the cost, not that I am made of money but I figure when I bring an animal into my home I take on the responsibility of keeping them happy, healthy, safe AND comfortable. Lola's allergies are not very bad and we keep her comfortable but I would consider this if I was able to figure out exactly what was bothering her and remove it. Just wanted more info. Lola just had her 6 mos. check up so we will not be going back for awhile ( hopefully ). So I figured I would ask you guys!!
Thanks.

[Tatiana]

Here's a handy link that explains a few of the different allergies and their testing methods: http://www.chastainvets.info/focus/fs_allergy_overview.htm -

(1) The testing involves a bit of skin-scraping and the drawing of blood that will then be analyzed by a laboratory...
(2) It's a bit painful, rather like nicking yourself shaving your leg and then getting a vial of blood drawn, but the dog will be fine... It's momentary pain that passes quickly after the ordeal is over.
(3) Your normal vet should tell you up front whether they will perform the extraction and skin-scraping and send the vials off to a national laboratory for testing (it can take several weeks for the results), or your veterinarian will refer you to a dermatolical specialist that'll perform the testing and prescribe courses of treatment for temporary relief of allergies or skin problems. The Serum-40 is accurate in the sense that it tests for your dog's sensitivity to the 40 most prevalent contact allergens in your area... Things like native trees, plants, weeds, grasses, bugs (i.e. ants, cockroaches, mites), fabrics (wool, cotton, etc.) and rates the sensitivity on a scale of 0 to 6, with 1 or 2 being moderately unbothered and 4, 5, or 6 being severely allergic.
(3) Allergies tend to manifest themselves between 6 months and 4 years of age... If your dog does have allergies, you can do a great deal to alleviate the problem by keeping her and your home environment free of any fleas, ensuring that your home is free of dust mites, mold, mildew, and that you check air filters, etc., that you use eco-friendly and unscented laundry and cleaning products for the bedding and floor surfaces; that you make it a practice to wipe the dog's paws upon entering the home after walking so that she doesn't scratch and infect herself...
(4) Food allergies are generally tested by means of strict elimination diets. The less ingredients you feed her over the period of several weeks, the easier it is to determine the problem...
(5) Keep a diary or journal noting what you feed the dog, how her stools appear, and any observations about the dog's coat, plus any shampoos or prescriptions administered by the veterinarian so that you have documentation of everything that you try in alleviating the itchiness...

Good luck!