Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy without human serum albumin as a stabilizer in a canine patient

Abstract

Abstract A four‐month‐old female Beagle, with a history of repeated anaphylactic reactions, was managed with venom immunotherapy (VIT), based on the results of a blood allergy test. Because there is a lack of VIT for dogs, a product from human medicine was used, which requires human serum albumin (HSA) in the solvent as a stabilizer. HSA has been described to cause sensitization and anaphylactic reactions, as well as other adverse effects in dogs. To avoid such adverse effects, water for injection was used as a solvent. VIT was initiated with a one‐day ultra‐rush induction scheme, followed by a conventional protocol as maintenance. The dog was stung by a bee after 11 months of VIT, presenting only mild lip edema. VIT is performed for the last 35 months. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of a successful VIT using water for injection as a solvent, without HSA.