Allergy testing explained (diagnose before treating)
Pet allergy testing comes in two forms: intradermal skin testing and serum IgE. Positive results on either are only a candidate list — diagnosis requires history plus an elimination diet. Buying «hypoallergenic food» off a report alone often wastes money.
🧾 Before the test
- ✓Stop antihistamines/steroids before testing (duration per vet)
- ✓Log the seasonality of itching and food history
- ✓Rule out fleas first (the most common, most missed cause)
📊 Reading the key values
| Search | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| Intradermal skin test | Wheal reactions list candidate allergens (dust mites, pollens) | No reaction doesn't fully exclude |
| Serum allergen-specific IgE | Antibodies suggest sensitization — false positives are common | Sensitization unlikely |
| Elimination diet trial | Signs resolve after a strict 8-12 week prescription diet and return on re-challenge = food allergy confirmed | Not food allergy |
💡 How to read it Food allergy and atopic dermatitis look nearly identical; the only reliable way to separate them is a strict elimination trial (not a single treat during it). Flea allergy is the most common cause of itching in dogs and cats — do parasite control first.
🤖 AI report interpretation
Type the values from your report below (e.g. “ALT 250, BUN 40”) and the AI will interpret them against each test’s reference meanings.
FAQ
Are blood allergy tests reliable?
They have some value for environmental allergens but many false positives, and they cannot diagnose food allergy. Only an elimination trial confirms food allergy.
Can allergies be cured?
Rarely cured but controllable: immunotherapy (allergy shots) works fairly well for environmental allergies with long-term commitment.