allervet® is a serological assay for allergen specific IgE, designed for veterinary use.
allervet® is offered to you exclusively by NationWide Laboratories.
Allergy Diagnosis
In recent years veterinary surgeons have recognised an increase in the numbers of companion animals presented with allergic disease, it is estimated that currently between 10–15% of dogs suffer from atopy. Intra–dermal skin testing (IDST) has long been considered the “gold standard” for diagnosing atopy, and identifying the offending allergens. With the growth of serological testing, and refinements in methodology, allervet® offers a simple, cost effective alternative when attempting to diagnose IgE mediated hypersensitivity disorders.
Benefits of Serology vs Intradermal Skin Testing
- Single serum sample required.
- Sedation/clipping not required.
- No risk of adverse reactions.
- No need to withdraw anti-pruritic therapy.*
- Repeatable, reproducible results.
- Skin pathology does not preclude testing.
* For further information regarding anti-pruritic drug therapy see the allervet® Allergy Handbook
Adverse Food Reactions
The pathogenesis of adverse food reactions (AFR) is poorly understood, this complex encompasses dietary hypersensitivity and dietary intolerance, conditions which are indistinguishable based on clinical signs. Elimination/provocation diets are required for diagnosis and to identify the offending foods. Serological tests cannot be used to make a diagnosis of an AFR but can prove helpful in the following ways:
- Increase the index of suspicion of AFR.
- Appropriate diet selection.
- Owner education.
Equine Allergic Disease
Equine hypersensitivity disorders commonly involve the skin or respiratory tract.
Allergic dermatoses are being recognised with increasing frequency in horses. Presenting signs include pruritus – often involving the mane, withers or tail, papular rash, hair loss, urticaria and facial/periorbital oedema. A diagnosis is often not possible based on the clinical presentation alone since different aetiological factors may be involved including atopy, insect bite hypersensitivity, adverse food reactions and conditions which are not immunologically driven.
Recurrent airway obstruction/Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is thought to be associated with production of allergen specific IgE to a range of inhaled allergens including dust, mites, pollens and moulds.
allervet® offers panels which include the major allergens likely to be involved in these conditions, including hay and grain mill dust.
Technical Information
Research and Development scientists at allervet® have developed an advanced oligoclonal detection technique based on recombinant IgE. Oligoclonal technology combines the advantages of monoclonal specificity with polyclonal sensitivity thereby enhancing the performance of the assay.
Recommended serum volumes:
- Canine/Feline – 3ml.
- Equine – 5ml.
Testing Options
Allergy screens are available for all three species. Please refer to the Test Panels section.
allervet® Results
The concept of allervet® is to provide full support for veterinary surgeons in the quest to diagnose and treat allergic disease. Results are attractively packaged and issued to the veterinary surgeon and pet owner.
Complementary client support literature is available to help explain the nature of allergic disease to pet owners and assist in the identification and avoidance of certain environmental allergens.
Allergen specific immunotherapy (ASIT) can be produced for most of the allergens in the environmental panels. Vaccines are manufactured according to the results of environmental testing using chemically and physically modified allergens which benefit from decreased allergenicity and increased immunogenicity. Immunotherapy is also available to treat sweet itch in horses. Further Immunotherapy information
