We
recognize that there must be a balance between comprehensive medical care and
cost. To that end, we offer allergy diagnostics at several levels from
the most basic to the most extensive. Our Primary Inhalant Allergy
Screen examines 48 allergens found throughout the United States. For
those clients desiring a more complete allergy exam, we offer a panel of 12
allergens of local importance in each of 12 geographical regions.
Additionally, we
offer panels for insects, indoor allergens, flea, staphylococcus and
Malassezia. A complete food allergy panel is available with a list of
acceptable commercial diets based on test results.
This unique
approach allows flexibility in testing options. The tiered pricing
structure allows for basic allergy testing at a lower introductory cost and
discounts for combined services.
Symptoms
While the
clinical signs of allergies in humans almost always include nasal and
respiratory problems, the symptoms in animals are much different. Most
commonly, dogs and cats exhibit intense itching (called pruritis), feet
licking, rashes, hair loss and face rubbing. Sometimes the skin becomes
hyperpigmented, thickened and hardened (lichenification). Cats also
often suffer from respiratory problems such as asthma, nasal and eye discharge
as well as feline acne. As allergies progress, bacterial and fungal
infections can become a problematic secondary condition for both cats and
dogs.
Food allergies in cats and dogs
can also be responsible for causing the gastrointestinal problems of vomiting
and diarrhea. Although a food elimination diet (followed by a food
challenge) is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of food allergy,
it is often times faster and more economical to start with a food allergy test
and plan an elimination diet based on the results of that test.
