Long-term effects of lymph node allergy shots for dog skin allergies

Abstract

BackgroundSubcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) is an established and efficacious therapy for canine atopic dermatitis (AD). In humans, intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT) was reported to be associated with fewer and less severe adverse effects than subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy and to be efficacious for several years after three intralymphatic injections.ObjectiveTo evaluate safety and effects ofILITin a case series of dogs with (AD).AnimalsFifty one privately owned dogs withAD.MethodsDogs received injections of 0.2 mL alum‐precipitated allergen extract into the popliteal lymph nodes at monthly intervals for 3–5 months. Lesion scores, pruritus and medication scores were determined before and at three and 12 months after beginning immunotherapy, and compared in a per protocol analysis (PP) and an intention‐to‐treat analysis (ITT).ResultsTwenty two dogs completed the study and 29 dogs did not fulfil study completion criteria due to lack of a final study visit (21 of 29) or due to insufficient improvement (14 of 29). All scores improved during the study with both analyses. For pruritus and Quality of Life scores this improvement was significant with both analyses; for Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI)‐03 values and medication scores only withPP. The only rare adverse effects observed included mild swelling of the lymph node post‐injection and increased pruritus.Conclusion and clinical relevanceILITis safe and feasible, and provides long‐lasting relief in some atopic dogs with a limited number of injections.