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Allergy testing questions
I am considering allergy testing for Roxy who has been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. She is doing pretty well right now on a raw diet with limited ingredients. I am hoping allergy testing might help with environmental causes, and maybe clear up my questioning a few different proteins.
I know the Dodd's saliva test only does food, so that's probably not the best choice for Roxy. There is also the Spot blood test from Spectrum Labs which tests all sorts of stuff. Any other ones to consider? Another thing, I've been wondering...how can we do saliva or blood testing for allergies for dogs when neither of these options are used for human allergy testing? If the saliva or blood tests actually work, why wouldn't they do that with people?
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Ella - Jun '20 - Reg AmStaff Squeak - '15/16? - Tabby cat (adopted Nov '18) Streak - '18 - Black cat (adopted Nov '18) Peewee - Jan '06 - 6.5 lb Chi (adopted May '09) -------------------- Roxy - Feb '05 to May '20 AmStaff (adopted Jul '11) Myka - Nov '98 to Jan '10 - APBT X Lacy - Sep '92 to Jul '03 - Sheltie |
#2
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I don't know if it's the same case for dogs, but allergy blood testing for cats is notoriously inaccurate and a big waste of $$. Skin testing (where the skin is pricked with various potentially allergenic substances) is much better.
....Just found a link that says blood testing isn't so great for dogs either: http://aadconline.com/skinTesting.htm Quote:
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"To close your eyes will not ease another's pain." ~ Chinese Proverb “We must not refuse to see with our eyes what they must endure with their bodies.” ~ Gretchen Wyler |
#3
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Yes, the blood (and saliva) testing for dogs and cats is highly debatable. Some vets put a lot of faith into it, others scoff at it. I have two vets, one in each bin...of course! You can do Google searching and find information that says the blood testing is inaccurate, but you can also find information that is very helpful. I don't know what to think, but for $500 my doggie just might be happier and that would be worth it.
The skin testing is what is used for people. It seems like torture to do that to a dog though since you couldn't tell them WHY we are scratching up and poking their skin. It is not a comfortable test.
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Ella - Jun '20 - Reg AmStaff Squeak - '15/16? - Tabby cat (adopted Nov '18) Streak - '18 - Black cat (adopted Nov '18) Peewee - Jan '06 - 6.5 lb Chi (adopted May '09) -------------------- Roxy - Feb '05 to May '20 AmStaff (adopted Jul '11) Myka - Nov '98 to Jan '10 - APBT X Lacy - Sep '92 to Jul '03 - Sheltie |
#4
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I have had the blood allergy testing done on me and it was spot on at finding the stuff that doesn't give an immediate reaction, but the stuff which caues long term issues (headaches, not feeling right, etc.).
I have found the blood testing by VARL and Spectrum to be the only way to get my dogs straightened out, being surprised by results, and seeing improvement when they were aaddressed. These folks that downplay the results of these tests clearly have never really used them properly. I think the spectrum is most comprehensive, it was my choice for the last two dogs I tested. You still have to challenge, since sensitivities are different than allergies, BUT, the information of where to start and what to avoid is really helpful. |
#5
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They're typically sedated.
__________________
"To close your eyes will not ease another's pain." ~ Chinese Proverb “We must not refuse to see with our eyes what they must endure with their bodies.” ~ Gretchen Wyler |
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