Intradermal testing results and clinical features in dogs with atopic dermatitis in Turkey

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between clinical signs and intradermal skin test results and the prevalence of causative allergens. A total of 50 dogs of different breeds, ages and sexes (26 male and 24 female) were used as material. After clinical examination and ruling out other disease based on diagnostic work-up, IDT (Intradermal testing) were performed on the dogs suspected of atopy. The 16 allergens used in the study were selected based on a previous study. All the dogs in the study had one or more positive reactions to the allergens used in the IDST. The positive reaction ratios were: 70% (n: 35) for lambs wool, 66% (n: 33) for house dust mites, 46% (n: 23) for cotton, 48% (n: 24) for fleas, 32% (n: 16) for human epithelium, and 24% (n: 12) for Penicillum notatum. According to the IDST, there was no positive reaction to beech. It was concluded that Willemse’s criteria correlated with history and that clinical findings are important in the diagnosis of cases with suspected atopy. IDST results should thus be considered as the “gold standard” in the diagnosis of atopy and the identification of offending allergens.