title: Triggers, risk factors and clinico-pathological features of urticaria in dogs - a prospective observational study of 24 cases.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Urticaria and anaphylaxis are frequently encountered in veterinary practice, but little is known about the causes and relative frequencies of these reactions.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study was designed to improve current knowledge on the triggers, risk factors and clinico-pathological features of urticaria.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty four dogs with signs of urticaria with or without anaphylaxis.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study included dogs with cutaneous immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions. The cases were grouped by clinical severity into either an urticaria or an anaphylaxis group. All treatments and diagnostic tests (haematology, biochemical profile, allergy investigation) were recorded. A causality algorithm for urticaria and anaphylaxis (ALUA) was designed to determine the probability of the identified triggers and cofactors. Disease incidence, breed, age and gender predispositions were evaluated statistically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixteen of 24 urticaria cases were associated with anaphylaxis whilst 8 of 24 were confined to the skin. The annual hospital incidence was 0.12%. Females seemed to be over-represented (2.4:1) and most of the dog breeds were pure breed (22 of 24), with Rhodesian ridgeback, boxer, beagle, Jack Russell terrier, French bulldog and Vizslas over-represented. In addition to skin lesions, the most frequently and severely affected organ systems were the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems. The predominant blood abnormalities were elevated lipase and alanine aminotransferase values. Insects, food and drugs were the most commonly identified triggers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study describing the trigger factors and clinico-pathological features of dogs with urticaria in veterinary medicine. Insects, food and drugs were the most frequently detected triggers.
authors.affiliation: Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Dermatology unit, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rostaher
authors.affiliation: Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Natalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hofer-Inteeworn
authors.affiliation: Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kümmerle-Fraune
authors.affiliation: Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Dermatology unit, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Nina Maria
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Fischer
authors.affiliation: Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Dermatology unit, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Claude
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Favrot
mesh_terms: D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D014581:Urticaria / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*