Microbes on Clipper Blades after Use and Disinfection in Small Animal- and Equine Practice.

Clipping hair on animals can produce microtraumas of the skin and the dislodgement of microorganisms to the clipper blade. This study evaluates if clipper blades in animal hospitals in Sweden are contaminated with bacteria and/or dermatophytes after disinfection. Eleven clipper blades from three veterinary referral hospitals, including one with a small animal department and an equine department, were sampled for bacteria and dermatophytes. All the hospitals had disinfection routines in accordance with the national recommendations for hygiene in veterinary medicine. The sampled clipper blades were supposed to be disinfected and they were considered to be ready for use by staff. Five sterilized clipper blades were used as controls. The results showed that 64-100% of the disinfected clipper blades, from all three hospitals, were contaminated with bacteria, whereas all the sterilized clipper blades were negative for bacterial growth (p < 0.05). One clipper blade from the equine department was contaminated with dermatophytes. The results indicate that the disinfection routines were not sufficient for removing bacteria from used clipper blades, and that sterilization would be a more reliable way to minimize the risk of contamination.

Diascopy and histopathological evaluation of nonblanching erythematous dermatoses in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Diascopy is a point-of-care diagnostic test used to differentiate skin erythema due to vascular dilation from haemorrhage. In the veterinary literature, only a handful of diseases have been described to be associated with a negative (nonblanching) diascopy result, and histological investigation of haemorrhage has been inconsistent. OBJECTIVES: Retrospective study to undertake a histopathological investigation of canine, nonblanching erythematous dermatoses for the presence or absence of haemorrhage and vascular changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Skin biopsies from dogs presented with moderate-to-severe nonblanching erythema were evaluated histologically. Additionally, clinical data about each patient were analysed. RESULTS: Twenty cases were identified with nonblanching erythema. Diagnoses included vasculopathy (n = 6), canine eosinophilic dermatitis (n = 3), cutaneous epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma (n = 2), and one case each of sterile granuloma and pyogranuloma syndrome, German shepherd dog pyoderma, multiple mast cell tumours, haemangiosarcoma, exfoliative cutaneous lupus erythematosus, canine leishmaniosis with sebaceous adenitis, sebaceous adenitis with concurrent dermatophytosis, calcinosis cutis and canine atopic dermatitis with insect-bite reaction. One or more vascular changes were present in all 20 cases and included perivascular oedema, endothelial swelling and neutrophilic infiltration of vessel walls. Haemorrhage was identified in 17 of 20 cases (85%). Three cases without dermal haemorrhage were calcinosis cutis, sebaceous adenitis with dermatophytosis and canine atopic dermatitis with insect-bite reaction. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Negative diascopy was associated with haemorrhage and vascular pathological findings in the majority of cases, yet not all. Haemorrhage was identified histologically in all diseases previously reported as nonblanching as well as in a few additional diseases.

Intradermal testing and serum allergen-specific IgE-testing in cats with naturally occurring feline bronchial disease.

OBJECTIVES: While feline asthma (FA) is considered to be of allergic origin, the etiology of feline chronic bronchitis (CB) to date is unknown. Aim of the study was to compare the results of intradermal testing (IDT) and serum testing for allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (SAT) in cats diagnosed with FA and CB. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-seven client-owned cats with clinical signs, suggestive of feline inflammatory bronchial disease (FBD) were prospectively enrolled in the study. Patients were assigned to 3 groups based on results of bronchoalveolar-lavage-fluid (BALF)-cytology: FA (n=8), CB (n=10), or cats with a physiological BALF cytology (PB; n=9). A standardized IDT for 27 allergens was performed in all cats. In addition, allergen-specific IgE was measured in serum samples using an FcεRIα-ELISA. The number of positive reactions in both tests was compared between groups, and agreement between test results of both tests was evaluated. RESULTS: Regarding the number of positive reactions, no statistically significant difference was detected between groups in IDT (p=0.65) and SAT (p=0.51). When comparing the 2 test systems, a weak correlation was found for the allergens Tyrophagus putrescentiae (k=0.256), Dermatophagoides farinae (k=0.276), and rye (k=0.273). The most commonly observed reactions were to house dust mites, storage mites, rye and nettle in IDT and to sheep sorrel, storage mites, and house dust mites in SAT. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: IDT and SAT in cats with feline inflammatory bronchial disease (FBD) cannot be used interchangeably for allergen detection. Sensitization to environmental allergens can occur in cats with and without airway inflammation. Therefore, a positive test result should always be assessed in context with clinical signs and allergen exposure.

Reactions to environmental allergens in cats with feline lower airway disease.

Objectives: Aeroallergens have been discussed as potential triggers for feline asthma (FA), which can be induced experimentally by allergen sensitization. To date, only few studies have investigated reactions to environmental allergens in cats with naturally occurring feline lower airway disease (FLAD). The aim of the study was to compare results of intradermal testing (IDT) and serum allergen-specific immunoglobulin E-(IgE) testing (SAT) in cats with FLAD, and to investigate possible associations with allergen exposure. Material and methods: Eight cats with eosinophilic airway inflammation (EI), ten cats with mixed inflammation (MI), six with neutrophilic inflammation (NI), and 24 healthy cats (HC) were included. Cats diagnosed with FLAD were assigned to the different inflammatory groups based on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BLAF) cytology. SAT was performed in all cats; IDT was only carried out in cats with FLAD. Information about the cats' environment and potential allergen exposure was obtained using an owner questionnaire. Results: In comparison to 83% of HC with positive reactions on SAT only 52% of cats with FLAD had positive responses (p = 0.051). Significantly more positive reactions per cat were detected on IDT than on SAT (p = 0.001). No significant difference was found for positive reactions per cat on SAT when compared between HC, NI, EI, and MI (p = 0.377). Only "slight" agreement was found for most allergens when reactions obtained in both tests in cats with FLAD were compared, except for "moderate" agreement for English plantain (k = 0.504) and Alternaria alternata (k = 0.488). Overall, no clear association between the cats' environment and allergen reactions were detected. Conclusions and clinical importance: Interpretation of allergy test results in cats with FLAD should be done in the context of clinical signs and individual factors.

Serum Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E in Cats with Inflammatory Bronchial Disease.

The etiology of feline inflammatory bronchial disease is poorly understood. This study compares the degree of allergen-specific serum IgE responses between cats with feline asthma, chronic bronchitis, mixed inflammation, and clinically healthy cats (HCs). The retrospective case-control study used serum from eighteen cats with eosinophilic inflammation (EI), ten with neutrophilic inflammation (NI), six with mixed inflammation (MI), and fourteen HCs. Affected cats were categorized into groups based on bronchoalveolar lavage cytology. The measurement of IgE for 34 different allergens including fungal organisms, weeds, grasses, trees, mites, and insects was performed using an indirect ELISA. Positive reactions to allergens were detected in the serum of 17/18 cats with EI, 8/10 with NI, 6/6 with MI, and 11/14 HCs (p = 0.364). When overall positive reactions were compared between groups, cats with MI (p = <0.01) had significantly more positive reactions against mite allergens than HCs. Blood eosinophils inversely correlated with the absolute amount of allergen-specific serum IgE expressed in ELISA absorbance units (EAs) (p = 0.014). Sensitization against dust mites seems to be more prevalent in cats with MI. However, positive IgE reactions can be observed in healthy and diseased cats, and, therefore, need to be interpreted in the light of clinical findings and environmental conditions of individual patients.

Cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants in atopic and healthy dogs and their influence on allergy test specificity.

BACKGROUND: The selection of allergens for immunotherapy in atopic dogs is often based on serum allergy testing. Cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) are common structures in plant and insect allergens that reportedly induce polysensitisation, reduce agreement between intradermal and serum tests and complicate allergen selection. METHODS: Thirty-four dogs with diagnosed atopic dermatitis and 10 healthy dogs were included in the study. An intradermal test was conducted in atopic dogs, and serum samples from allergic and healthy dogs were analysed for allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) before and after inhibition of detectable anti-CCD-IgE antibodies. RESULTS: Anti-CCD-IgE antibodies were not found in any of the healthy dogs and no polysensitisation to plant and insect allergens was detected. The agreement between intradermal and serum allergy test results in the atopic dogs with anti-CCD-IgE antibodies improved from slight to fair after blocking the anti-CCD-IgE antibodies. In addition, blocking clearly reduced polysensitisation to plant allergens but not to acarid allergens. LIMITATIONS: Only a limited number of healthy dogs were tested in this study. A gold standard for determining the clinical relevance of IgE sensitisation does not exist. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of anti-CCD-IgE antibodies seems to be of importance to improve serum test specificity for allergen-specific IgE in atopic dogs in relation to intradermal allergy testing.

A systematic review of allergen immunotherapy, a successful therapy for canine atopic dermatitis and feline atopic skin syndrome.

Canine atopic dermatitis and feline atopic skin syndrome are common presentations in small animal practice. Numerous drugs are used for symptomatic therapy. The only definitive treatment based on the cause of the disease is allergen immunotherapy. Classical allergen immunotherapy (AIT) consists of subcutaneous injections of an extract containing offending allergens, with increasing doses and allergen concentrations at short intervals during the induction phase of several weeks to months followed by a maintenance phase, where a fixed dose is typically given at longer intervals. Dose and interval are tailored to the individual patient. Newer types of AIT include rush immunotherapy, where the induction phase is abbreviated, intralymphatic immunotherapy, and oromucosal or sublingual immunotherapy. AIT aims at inducing a regulatory T-cell response and subsequently downregulating the exaggerated immune response to offending allergens leading to clinical signs. This article reviews the published knowledge about allergen immunotherapy in dogs and cats for small animal practitioners.

Evaluation of hypochlorous acid as an ear flush in dogs with chronic otitis externa.

BACKGROUND: Chronic otitis externa (OE) in dogs frequently requires anaesthetised ear flushing. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate hypochlorous acid as an ear flushing and antimicrobial agent in dogs with chronic OE. ANIMALS: Twenty dogs with chronic OE caused by the same organisms bilaterally. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One ear was flushed under anaesthesia with hypochlorous acid, the other with saline solution. Subsequently, the ear flushed with hypochlorous acid was cleaned with the same solution twice daily for 2 weeks, the other ear with a commercial ear cleaner. An ear medication containing miconazole, polymyxin B and prednisolone was used once daily in both ears. Clinical scores were determined before the flush. Ear cytological results were obtained, a hearing test was conducted before and after the ear flush, and a culture was taken directly after flushing. Ears were evaluated after 2 weeks of therapy. RESULTS: Yeast was present in the ears of 11, cocci in one and a mixed infection in eight dogs. Five ears were negative on culture after flushing with hypochlorous acid, one after the saline flush. Clinical and cytological scores decreased significantly with both solutions after 2 weeks of treatment. There was no difference between treatments in any of the scores at any time point between treatments and in the results of the hearing test before and after the flushing procedure. Adverse effects were not seen. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hypochlorous acid is a suitable cleaning solution for canine OE.

A randomised, double-blinded comparison between subcutaneous rush and intralympathic allergen immunotherapy induction in atopic dogs.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common skin diseases in small animal practice. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is the only curative treatment for the disease, and oral, subcutaneous and intralymphatic administration of allergens are commonly employed. OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of AIT following an induction phase with intralymphatic injections (ILIT) or rush immunotherapy (RIT). ANIMALS: Fifty privately owned dogs with AD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a double-blinded study, dogs were randomly assigned to either four monthly ILIT of allergen extract or RIT with five injections administered subcutaneously at hourly intervals on the first day. They were assessed by validated scores; Canine Atopic Dermatitis Lesion Index (CADLI) and pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS) at the beginning of the study and after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. The latter were performed daily for 7 days before each revisit. Medication scores and a total clinical score were calculated and compared between each group and time point. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in CADLI and PVAS scores, or CADLI and medication scores between groups at any of the time points. A significant improvement with both ILIT and RIT was seen in total and pruritus scores, respectively. An owner global assessment of good-to-excellent treatment efficacy was seen in 40% of the dogs; total scores improved by 27% and 35% in the RIT and ILIT group, respectively. Adverse effects were not seen. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Induction of AIT can be conducted either as RIT or ILIT with no loss in efficacy.

Clinical effects of 2 commercially available diets on canine atopic dermatitis.

OBJECTIVE: Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a common skin disease in dogs. Prior studies were able to determine beneficial effects of essential fatty acids (EFA) on the clinical signs of CAD. The aim of this study was set to evaluate the effects of a newly designed, EFA-enriched diet on the clinical signs of CAD compared to another EFA-enriched diet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, double-blinded study, 31 privately owned dogs with atopic dermatitis received either the control diet (diet A, Hill's Prescription Diet™ d/d™ Salmon & Rice, n = 17) or the test diet (diet B, Veterinary HPM™ Dermatology Support D1, Virbac, n = 14) for 12 weeks. At the beginning of the study as well as after 4, 8 and 12 weeks, skin lesions and pruritus were evaluated via validated scores and the administered medication was documented. At the same time, the dogs' coat quality was evaluated via a distinct scoring system. In both groups, a total of 7 dogs each completed the entire study. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, there was a mild improvement in lesion scores, pruritus and coat quality with both diets. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this study, both diets improved the patients' skin lesions pruritus and coat quality.

Evaluation of a clinical scoring system for canine demodicosis.

BACKGROUND: Canine demodicosis is a common disease in small animal practice. Although a number of studies evaluating treatment efficacy for canine demodicosis have used clinical scoring systems, none have been validated. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the validity, reliability, reproducibility and sensitivity to change of a clinical scoring system for canine demodicosis. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Fifty-eight dogs with generalised demodicosis were evaluated using a clinical scoring system that assessed erythema, comedones/ papules/pustules, follicular casts/scales/crusts and alopecia, rated from none to mild, moderate and severe in 36 body locations. Two evaluators scored lesions at monthly consecutive visits during treatment. Mites were counted to a maximum of 50 in four deep skin scrapings. With >50 mites, the approximate mite number was calculated with the help of a grid drawn onto the slide before placing the scraped material onto it. RESULTS: A Pearson correlation coefficient showed a high interobserver reliability (r = 0.97) between two different clinicians evaluating the same dog. The Wilcoxon signed rank test showed good sensitivity to change with a reduction of clinical scores with each of the first six evaluations (P < 0.0001). A linear mixed model also showed a clear reduction in mite counts (P < 0.001) and clinical scores (P < 0.0001) from the first evaluation with time. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The clinical scoring system for canine demodicosis evaluated in this study showed a good sensitivity to change and interobserver reliability, and can be used in studies evaluating canine demodicosis.

Topical treatment of multiple erosive, ulcerative skin lesions in an Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis).

A 30-year-old, intact female Indian rhinoceros (Rhinocerus unicornis) was presented with ongoing erosive, ulcerative skin lesions over a 4-year-period. The lesions appeared to be non-pruritic and non-seasonal. A systemic antibiotic therapy had been unsuccessful. The dermatological examination showed 8 diffusely demarcated areas of erosion, focal ulceration, mild crusting, and moderate erythema ranging from 8 to 20 cm in diameter, bilaterally on the lateral edges of the torso armor plates. The patient had no other clinical abnormalities. Coccoid and rod-shaped bacteria were identified on cytology and a bacterial culture revealed Escherichia coli spp., Staphylococcus dysgalacticae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Corynebacterium spp. and Micrococus spp. A topical product line containing essential fatty acids and plant extracts was administered daily, using a spot-on, spray and balm. Within 3 weeks a substantial alleviation of clinical signs was observed. Multiple impression smears of the lesions and a bacterial culture were negative by day 21. The patient achieved complete remission within 4 months of treatment and maintained remission for the 2-year observation period with continued use of the medication. Topically administered therapeutics containing essential fatty acids and plant extracts may offer a viable treatment option for recurrent cases of bacterial infectious skin lesions in Indian rhinocerotidae.

Comparison of Four Different Allergy Tests in Equine Asthma Affected Horses and Allergen Inhalation Provocation Test.

Potential triggers for equine asthma are allergens from hay and straw dusts, mold spores and storage mites. The contribution of these environmental trigger factors to equine asthma is still largely uncertain. The aim of this study was to compare results of four allergy tests from healthy and asthma-affected horses, and to evaluate the clinical relevance of allergens tested positive via specific inhalation provocation test. Fifteen horses were classified using a clinical scoring system as asthmatic (n = 9) or control (n = 6). Four different allergy tests (functional in vitro test, intradermal test, Fc-epsilon receptor test, and ELISA for allergen-specific IgE) were compared. A histamine inhalation provocation test as positive control was performed in all horses and the interpleural pressure was measured. In addition, two individual allergens were chosen for the allergen inhalation provocation test based on the results of the allergy tests and inhaled in increasing concentrations, until signs of dyspnea occurred. None of the four allergy tests could differentiate reliably between controls and asthma-affected horses. There was no agreement among the results of the four allergy tests. The interpleural pressure results showed a large individual variability. A clear positive reaction on the allergen inhalation provocation test was only detected in two asthma-affected horses 6 hours after allergen inhalation with Aspergillus fumigatus and Cladosporium herbarum. In most cases a purely type I immediate reaction is unlikely to be involved in causing the clinical signs of equine asthma. Because of a delayed reaction after allergen provocation in two horses, the involvement of cell-mediated type III or IV hypersensitivity may be possible. As all allergy tests used in this study can only detect IgE-mediated hypersensitivity, these tests are probably not suitable for an etiological diagnosis of equine asthma.

Cutaneous microRNA expression in healthy Labrador and Golden retrievers and retrievers with allergic and inflammatory skin diseases.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNA) are short, single-stranded RNA molecules that regulate gene expression in a post-transcriptional manner. Their expression is proposed to be tissue-specific and alterations in miRNA expression have been detected in many diseases. OBJECTIVE: To compare miRNA expression in the skin of healthy Labrador and golden retrievers, and those with allergic and nonallergic dermatitis. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) skin specimens from seven healthy Labrador and golden retrievers, and seven dogs with allergic skin disease were collected. A further mixed nonallergic inflammation group consisted of samples from five dogs with fungal infection, demodicosis and mast cell tumours. Total RNA was extracted and miRNA primer assays for 18 target miRNAs (miR-142, miR-363, miR-18b, miR-451, miR-146a, miR-124, miR-409, miR-193b, miR-223, miR-215, miR-155, miR-423a, miR-143, miR-1839, miR-21, miR-34b, miR-146b and miR-202) were performed, with RNU6-2 and SNORD95 as miRNAs for normalisation. The selection of miRNAs for investigation was based on reported data and a pilot study evaluating miRNA extraction from FFPE tissue specimens. RESULTS: In the two dogs with mast cell tumours, miRNA expression was undetermined for most miRNAs, so both were excluded from analysis. Although there were differences in the miRNA expression between healthy and inflamed skin, allergic and nonallergic inflammation showed similar expression patterns. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although the number of included dogs was small, based on this study, none of the evaluated miRNAs allowed differentiation of allergic dermatitis from other inflammatory skin diseases in retriever dogs.

Interferon therapies in small animals.

Interferons (IFNs) are cytokines that play an important role in the immune response of animals and humans. A number of studies reviewed here have evaluated the use of human, canine and feline IFNs as treatments for infectious, inflammatory and neoplastic disease in dogs and cats. Recombinant canine IFN-γ is deemed an efficacious therapy for canine atopic dermatitis. Recombinant feline IFN-ω is effective against canine parvoviral enteritis and has also been recommended for canine atopic dermatitis. Based on limited evidence, recombinant canine IFN-α could be a topical treatment option for dogs with gingivitis and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Conclusive evidence is lacking for other diseases and large randomised controlled trials are needed before IFNs can be recommended for other indications.

A case series of canine cutaneous inverted papilloma with one case showing evidence of recurrence.

BACKGROUND: This article describes a case of multiple, recurrent, cutaneous inverted papillomas (CIPs) in a German shepherd dog, combined with a retrospective follow-up assessment of eight cases. METHODS: A 3-year-old, black, female German shepherd dog presented with four rapidly growing, alopecic, domed, hyperpigmented, shiny nodules, compatible with CIP. The dog was managed for pruritus, associated with atopic dermatitis, with long-term prednisolone therapy and this therapy was continued after the surgical excision. Twelve months after the initial presentation the dog was represented for two new CIP lesions, coinciding with an increased dosage of prednisolone during an allergic flare-up period. RESULTS: Histopathological evaluation was conducted on both the original and subsequent lesions from the case with recurrence. Eight cases of CIP, based on histopathological findings, were identified retrospectively from the authors' diagnostic pathology service over the previous two years. All nine cases had lesions that exhibited varying degrees of inverted epithelial hyperplasia, multiple, endophytic, papillary epidermal projections, a cup-shaped base with central hyperkeratosis and active viral pathological findings (koilocytes). The submitting veterinarians were contacted and follow-up regarding recurrence and concurrent medications was obtained. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: CIP is uncommonly reported, typically as a single lesion with no previous reports of recurrence, although one group of dogs with severe combined immunodeficiency developed invasive malignancies. In seven of eight retrospective cases no recurrence of CIP was recorded. The authors speculate that the recurrence in the German shepherd dog may have been associated with chronic (although low-dose) glucocorticoid administration.

A proposed medication score for long-term trials of treatment of canine atopic dermatitis sensu lato.

BACKGROUND: The use of concurrent medications is necessary in trials of treatment of canine atopic dermatitis. Our aim was to use the best available evidence to construct and then to validate a medication score (MS) formula that will estimate the impact of concurrent medications on trial outcomes. METHODS: Trials of 15 interventions were scrutinized to find those that were consistent in terms of specific medication, administration route and dosage regimen. A MS was constructed in five steps, starting from assigning a score of 1 for each day on oral prednisone, prednisolone or methylprednisolone at 0.5-1.0 mg/kg. The MS score was validated using the clinical records of 35 dogs with atopic dermatitis that had been treated for a period of 12 ± 2 weeks with six of these medications and compared with a previously published non-validated MS. RESULTS: A MS could be assigned to eight treatments, six of which had been administered to the 35 dogs. A positive correlation was seen with the previously published MS and a negative correlation with changes in lesional and pruritus scores. CONCLUSION: This MS may be a useful tool in new studies evaluating the efficacy of treatments in canine atopic dermatitis.

Reproducibility of serum testing for environmental allergen-specific IgE in dogs in Europe.

BACKGROUND: Serum testing for allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E is commonly employed to identify allergens used for allergen-specific immunotherapy in dogs, yet the reliability of results has been a matter of debate. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of serum tests for environmental allergen-specific IgE in three European laboratories. ANIMALS/METHODS: Serum was obtained from 33 client-owned dogs diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, divided into three aliquots and sent to the laboratories under different names. Two aliquots were sent simultaneously to one of the laboratories on the first day; the third sample was then sent to the same laboratory on the subsequent day. The laboratory for each patient was chosen according to a predetermined randomization list. The agreement between different samples from the same dog for each of the laboratories was calculated with a Cohen's Kappa test. Spearman's rank coefficients (rsp ) as well as the coefficients of variation (CV) additionally were calculated. RESULTS: The intra- and interassay agreements for laboratories A, B and C were 0.79 and 0.75, 0.92 and 0.90, and 0.90 and 0.85, respectively. The CVs were 18.92% and 22.95%, 14.43% and 18.79%, and 15.38% and 18.75% (respectively) and the rsp 0.73 and 0.68, 0.95 and 0.92, and 0.82 and 0.74 (respectively). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The differences in reproducibility between laboratories complicate test interpretation and underline the importance of interpreting results of serum testing for allergen-specific IgE in the context of the patient's clinical history.

Venom immunotherapy for Hymenoptera allergy in a dog.

A 1.5-year-old male castrated dog was presented in anaphylactic shock after suffering an apparent bee sting. Immunotherapy with bee venom was initiated based upon history, skin testing and serological testing for allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E. The dog was maintained on venom immunotherapy for five years and showed no signs of adverse effects from therapy or from repeated bee stings.

Un chien castré de 1,5 ans a été présenté pour choc anaphylactique après avoir été piqué par une abeille. L'immunothérapie avec le venin d'abeille a été initié en fonction des commémoratifs, des tests cutanés et des tests sérologiques pour les immunoglobulines (Ig)E spécifiques d'allergènes. Le chien a été maintenu sous immunothérapie au venin pendant cinq ans et n'a montré aucun effet indésirable du traitement ou a la suite d'autres piqures d'abeilles.

Un perro macho castrado de 1,5 años se presentó en shock anafiláctico luego de sufrir una aparente picadura de abeja. La inmunoterapia con veneno de abeja se inició basándose en el historial, las pruebas cutáneas y las pruebas serológicas para la inmunoglobulina (Ig)E específica de alérgenos. El perro se mantuvo con inmunoterapia con veneno durante cinco años y no experimentó efectos adversos con la terapia o con repetidas picaduras de abeja.

Um cão macho castrado de 1 ano e meio de idade foi apresentado em choque anafilático após aparentemente ter sido picado por abelha. Iniciou-se a imunoterapia com veneno de abelha baseado na história clínica, testes alérgicos cutâneos e sorológicos para imunoglobulina (Ig)E alérgeno-específica. O cão foi mantido em imunoterapia com veneno por cinco anos e não apresentou nenhum efeito adverso do tratamento ou de novas picadas de abelha.