CSI Case Challenges

Although allergic anaphylaxis is the most dramatic type of hypersensitivity reaction, it is much more common to see local allergic reactions. Patients may present with chronic respiratory, gastrointestinal, and dermatologic signs. It’s up to you to figure out if allergy is contributing to their disease. Are you up to the challenge?

The Dreaded Wait—Steroid Withdrawal

You have likely been in the position of needing to withdraw glucocorticoid medications from a confirmed atopic patient in order to prepare for serum IgE testing or intradermal skin testing (IDST). Because this can be such a formidable feat for some clients and their pets, it can result in continued symptomatic treatment with steroid agents, with testing never becoming reality.

Why Allergen Specific Immunotherapy?

Many practitioners tend to manage allergic patients with empirical, palliative treatments with mixed success. We are often treating inflamed skin and various eruptions as well as bacterial and fungal infections that are secondary to the primary disease of atopic dermatitis. There can also be respiratory presentations such as feline asthma.

Making the Most of Serum IgE Testing “Allergy Testing”

If you aren’t already utilizing it, serum IgE testing can be a great addition to your practice and a more satisfactory approach to the treatment of atopic dermatitis for your clients and their pets. If you are already implementing serum IgE testing in your practice this challenge may enable you to maximize the success of your testing protocol.

The Mighty Mite: House Dust Mites and Allergy

House dust mites (Dermatophagoides spp) exist throughout our environment. They are a common contributor to allergies in animals as well as humans. Approximately 50-60% of dogs with elevated allergen specific IgE to other allergens also exhibit hypersensitivity to dust mites.

This Little Hydrolyzed Protein Seems Just Right

A 2-year-old female, spayed, Siamese cat presents with a history of severe, nonseasonal pruritus. The physical exam reveals primarily head and neck involvement and the owner mentions that the cat initially responded to steroids but that the steroids no longer seem effective. The history and clinical signs make you strongly suspicious of food hypersensitivity and you recommend a food trial.

Getting It Right The First Time

Properly acquired skin biopsies can provide a tremendous amount of information when they are collected and processed correctly. Clinicians can increase the odds of receiving quality diagnostic information by devising a biopsy plan prior to the procedure.

Do You Know Where Your EFAs Come From?

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are polyunsaturated fatty acids. They consist of a long carbon chain containing multiple double bonds and a methyl group at one end. They are considered “essential” because they can’t be synthesized by the patient; they must be provided in the diet or as a supplement.

Ig? What Ig Type Matters?

Antibodies are an important component of a well immune system. The functions of immunoglobulins depend upon their type.

Why Is That Dog So Itchy?

Pruritus can be a clinical sign of many conditions and diseases. Recognizing characteristic lesions, their distribution, common secondary conditions, and seasonal patterns can shorten the list of differentials and streamline the diagnostic process.