Evaluation of skin test reactivity to environmental allergens in healthy cats and cats with atopic dermatitis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate skin test reactivity to environmental allergens in healthy cats and in cats with atopic dermatitis (AD).


METHODS
10 healthy cats and 10 cats with AD.


METHODS
10 allergens in serial dilutions were injected ID on the lateral aspect of the thorax of sedated cats. Histamine (0.01% solution) and buffer solutions were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Immediately after the last injection, 10% fluorescein solution was administered IV. Skin test results were evaluated with ultraviolet light after 15 to 30 minutes and at 4 and 6 hours by 2 independent observers. In the control group, skin tests were repeated after 6 weeks. Skin test reactivity and the nature of the immunoglobulin involved were investigated by use of the Prausnitz-Küstner test with untreated and heat-treated cat sera.


RESULTS
Intertest and interobserver agreement were high when measurement of the diameter of the fluorescent wheal was used to evaluate skin test responses, compared with assessment of its intensity. In both groups of cats, immediate skin test reactivity was observed as an IgE-mediated reaction, as an IgG-mediated reaction, and as a result of nonspecific mast cell degranulation. There was no correlation between allergen concentration and the type of reaction observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Skin test reactivity in cats should be evaluated after IV administration of 10% fluorescein solution by means of a Prausnitz-Küstner test to differentiate among IgE-mediated, IgG-mediated, and nonspecific reactions.
Schleifer
Sebastian G
SG
Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Willemse
Ton
T
D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D002415:Cats; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000276:immunology* / Q000662:veterinary*; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology; D012882:Skin Tests / Q000662:veterinary*
D000485:Allergens