Measurement of allergen-specific IgG in serum is of limited value for the management of dogs diagnosed with cutaneous adverse food reactions.

Conflicting results have been reported in the literature in terms of the usefulness of serological testing for IgG against food allergens in dogs with cutaneous adverse food reaction (CAFR). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the suitability of a commercially available IgG ELISA for identifying food allergens in dogs, by challenging dogs with specific food ingredients, selected on the basis of IgG reactivity in serum samples. A total of 24 adult dogs with CAFR were enrolled into the study and 16 healthy dogs were included as a control group. Blood samples were obtained for measurement of specific IgG antibodies against 39 commonly used pet food ingredients by ELISA. Participating owners were surveyed to obtain information on their pet's dietary history. Eleven healthy control dogs and 12 dogs with CAFR were subsequently challenged in a blinded cross-over design experiment with both positive and negative food ingredients, selected on the basis of the ELISA test results. There was substantial individual variation in ELISA test results to the various food allergens, but no significant difference in IgG reactivity comparing the CAFR and control groups. None of the control dogs developed any clinical signs of an allergic reaction during the dietary challenge study. In the CAFR group, six of 12 dogs developed clinical signs after the negative challenge, and two of nine dogs developed clinical signs after the positive challenge. It was concluded that the ELISA test for dietary allergen-specific IgG is of limited value in the management of dogs with CAFR.

[A retrospective study in 45 West Highland White Terriers with skin problems]. / Een retrospectief onderzoek bij 45 West Highland White Terriers met huidproblemen.

Forty-five West Highland White Terriers with skin problems were studied retrospectively. Two disorders occurred frequently. Food allergy was diagnosed in 11 dogs (24%) and atopy in 9 dogs (20%). It was not possible to differentiate between these disorders on the basis of the history and clinical findings. Other diagnoses were demodectic mange (3), dermatomycosis (2), superficial pyoderma (3) and flea-induced dermatosis (3).

[Prospective study of a commercial hypoallergenic diet in 18 dogs with food allergy]. / Prospectief onderzoek van een commercieel hypoallergeen dieet bij achttien honden met een voedselallergie.

A diagnosis of food allergy was made in eighteen dogs after they were fed on a hypoallergenic diet of lambs meat and rice. The skin complaints returned after the dogs were challenged with the original food. A commercial hypoallergenic diet was given once the skin complaints had disappeared after refeeding of the lamb and rice diet. Six of the eighteen dogs developed skin complaints (pruritus, scaly skin, and erythema) on the commercial diet.

[Food allergy in dog and cat]. / Voedselallergie bij de hond en kat.

Food allergy in the dog or cat can only be described as non-seasonal dermatitis accompanied by scratching. When the term 'food allergy' is used, an immune-mediated reaction is not always meant, although the term would suggest that it is. The frequency of occurrence of food allergy is unknown, with the literature giving widely differing percentages. Type I and type IV hypersensitivity reactions probably play a role in the pathogenesis, although a type III reaction is also thought to be involved. Gastrointestinal disturbances and skin complaints are symptoms of food allergy, and scratching is nearly always mentioned as the most common sign. The diagnosis can only be made by feeding the animal on a hypoallergic diet, which must be given for several weeks. Diagnostic tests are unreliable. The patient should not have been previously exposed to the ingredients of the hypoallergic diet. As 'home-made' diets may be deficient in minerals, vitamins, and essential amino acids, these ingredients must be supplemented if the diet is to be maintained for a long time. The prognosis of food allergy is good if the causative ingredient is identified. It is important the animals' owner is given through instruction. Medicines have little effect on food allergy.

Changes in plasma cortisol, corticotropin, and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone concentrations in cats before and after physical restraint and intradermal testing.

In 6 cats, mean +/- SEM baseline plasma concentrations of cortisol, corticotropin, and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) were 87 +/- 16 nmol/L, 73 +/- 14 ng/L, and 129 +/- 12 ng/L, respectively. The cats were subjected to: handling and subsequent skin testing without anesthesia; anesthesia with 50 mg of ketamine HCl and 2.5 mg of diazepam given IV, immediately followed by handling and skin testing; and anesthesia and handling as previously described, but without skin testing. Significant (P < 0.05; multivariate analysis for repeated measures) increase in plasma cortisol, corticotropin, and alpha-MSH concentrations was observed until 20 minutes after the start of the experiments in cats undergoing physical restraint and subsequent skin testing with or without preceding anesthesia. These responses were largely abolished when anesthesia with ketamine and diazepam was only followed by handling. We conclude that, during stress in cats (in contrast to dogs), the pituitary intermediate lobe is activated to secrete alpha-MSH. In addition, the cortisol response after skin testing of cats under anesthesia may be a reasonable explanation for the reported weak skin test reactivity in cats.

[Be wise--refer! Fact or fantasy?]. / Wees wijs--verwijs! Feit of fantasie?

On the occasion of his retirement as an active specialist in Surgery dr. P.H.A. Poll describes the history of the development of the specialties in Veterinary Medicine in The Netherlands and carefully looks forward. As a tribute, his specialist colleagues, all related to the Companion Animal Hospital "De Wagenrenk", publish one or more case reports from there respective disciplines (ophthalmology, surgery, radiology, dermatology).

[Transient juvenile hypoglycemia in puppies]. / Passagère juveniele hypoglycaemie bij pups.

Two cases of transient juvenile hypoglycaemia are reported. The symptoms, diagnosis and treatment are described, and the pathogenesis and differential diagnosis are discussed.

Transient juvenile hypoglycaemia in a Yorkshire terrier and in a Chihuahua.

Two cases of transient juvenile hypoglycaemia in the dog are reported. The symptoms, diagnosis and treatment are described and pathogenesis and differential diagnosis discussed.