Food allergy

Adverse food reactions are common

Adverse food reactions (AFR) encompass food intolerances as well as immunologically mediated hypersensitivities (food allergies). The specific immune mechanisms involved in food allergies are not clearly understood, but it is believed that most are type I- or IgE-mediated. There is also evidence to suggest that type II and type IV hypersensitivity reactions are involved.

Prevalence of food allergy

Food allergy is a relatively common disease. Studies show that 20–25% of dogs have allergic skin disease.

It is also estimated to occur in around 33% of dogs with atopic dermatitis. There is a greater incidence in dogs under 1 year of age and above 6 years.

Labrador Retrievers, West Highland White Terriers, Boxers, Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Pugs are the predisposed breeds.

Clinical symptoms

The most common symptoms are dermatological or gastrointestinal (or a combination of both).

Dermatological signs are varied, and often indistinguishable from those associated with atopic dermatitis.

Gastrointestinal symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, abdominal discomfort, flatulence and frequent defecation (more than three times a day).

Diagnosis

The most common food allergens that affect dogs seem to be beef, chicken, egg, milk, wheat, soy and corn, which are also common ingredients in many commercial foods.

In order to diagnose food allergy, a food elimination trial should be performed.

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PAX® Food Test

PAX® offers an attractive solution to detect IgE sensitizations to molecular food allergens, which should prove of help to select allergens for oral food challenge and/or to select food ingredients unlikely to cause immediate reactions.