Allergy
Testing
Precise Allergy Testing for Your Pet’s Relief
At Great Lakes Veterinary Dermatology, we understand how environmental allergies can significantly impact your pet’s well-being. Our intradermal allergy testing is a highly effective method, identifying up to 65 potential allergic triggers, enabling us to formulate personalized antigen-specific immunotherapy.
The Power of Immunotherapy
Our antigen-specific immunotherapy is the best treatment for managing environmental allergies, which can be administered both orally and injectable based on owner preference and the safest long-term therapy. Unlike symptomatic treatments like steroids, Apoquel (oclacitinib), Cytopoint (cytopoint is a symptomatic treatment too) and Atopica (cyclosporine), immunotherapy addresses the root cause of allergies, leading to lasting relief and reduced reliance on medications.
Preparing for Allergy Testing
Before performing an intradermal allergy test on your pet, some medications must be discontinued to ensure accurate results. Please adhere to the following withdrawal times:
Allergy Testing Table
| Drug | Withdrawal Time for Dog | Withdrawal Time for Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Topical Steroids (Eyes, Ears) | 10 Days | 10 Days |
| Genesis spray (steroid spray) | 3 Weeks | 3 Weeks |
| Prednisone/ Prednisolone (Oral Steroid) | 4 Weeks | 4 Weeks |
| Dexamethasone injection | 4 Weeks | 4 Weeks |
| Triamcinolone Acetonide (Vetalog) | 6 Weeks | N/A |
| Methylprednisolone (Depo Medrol) | 6 Weeks | 6 Weeks |
| Antihistamines (Benadryl, Zrytec, etc.) | 10-14 Days | 10-14 Days |
| Tranquilizers (Acepromazine) | 3 Days | N/A |
| Oclacitinib (Apoquel) | 2 Days | N/A |
| Lokivetmab (Cytopoint) | No withdrawal is needed! | N/A |
Blood Allergy Testing Alternative
If intradermal allergy testing is unsuitable for your pet due to specific medications, comorbidities, or skin issues, we offer blood allergy testing as an alternative. Blood allergy testing provides valuable insights and may take up to 2 weeks for results.
At Great Lakes Veterinary Dermatology, we are committed to providing compassionate care for your pet’s allergies. Our team of experienced veterinarians will work closely with you to determine the best approach for your pet’s unique needs, ensuring their comfort and wellbeing.