Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Update on Allergen Immunotherapy.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice
- Year:
- 2019
- Authors:
- Mueller, Ralf S
- Affiliation:
- Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine · Germany
Plain-English summary
Allergen immunotherapy is a treatment used for dogs and cats with atopic dermatitis, which is a skin condition caused by allergies. This therapy works by helping pets build tolerance to the allergens that trigger their symptoms. The most common way to give this treatment is through injections, starting with small amounts that gradually increase, followed by regular maintenance shots. There are also faster methods being tested that are safe for dogs. About two-thirds of pets receiving this treatment show significant improvement in their symptoms.
Abstract
Allergen immunotherapy has been used for many years in dogs and cats and is the only specific treatment of atopic dermatitis that changes the patho-mechanisms of disease by stimulating allergen tolerance. Subcutaneous administration of allergens is the most commonly used administration route, typically in increasing concentrations (induction period) followed by long-term injection of allergen extract (maintenance therapy). Rush protocols with an abbreviated induction period have been reported and shown to be safe in dogs. More recently, oro-mucosal and intralymphatic administration of allergens has been evaluated in dogs. Approximately two-thirds of patients show good to excellent improvement of clinical signs.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30227970/