Update on Allergen Immunotherapy

Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2019 Jan;49(1):1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2018.08.001. Epub 2018 Sep 15.

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.

Keywords: Allergen specific; Canine; Desensitization; Feline; Hyposensitization; Intralymphatic.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cat Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Cats
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / prevention & control
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / veterinary*
  • Desensitization, Immunologic / veterinary*
  • Dog Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Dogs
  • Veterinary Medicine / trends