Allergies
in horses can be responsible for several respiratory symptoms including COPD,
cough, heaves, exercise intolerance and roaring and dermatological symptoms
such as hives, atopic dermatitis and head shaking.
Intradermal skin tests performed on horses can be
difficult to interpret due to the pigmentation and sensitive nature of equine
skin. Skin testing typically involves sedation, shaving of the test area and
a withdrawal period from antihistamines and steroids. Additionally,
specialists who perform skin testing are not always available or conveniently
located.
Pet Allergy Laboratory’s ELISA
serum allergy test has proven to be a convenient alternative to intradermal
skin testing. ELISA testing at Pet Allergy Laboratory requires only a simple
blood sample that may be taken by any practitioner without the inconvenience
of a drug withdrawal period.
PAL utilizes a monoclonal antibody specific for Equine IgE which is licensed
through North Carolina State University. This monoclonal antibody
technology provides a level of sensitivity and specificity which is unmatched
by any other test system. Equine allergy panels at Pet Allergy
Laboratory include more than 80 individually tested grasses, weeds, trees,
molds, foods, insects and more.
Chronic upper airway inflammation and scarring (cicatrix) has recently been
linked to allergic reaction to Pythium insidiosum a common fungal-like
infection of various plants including grass. PAL has an exclusive
arrangement with
Pan American Veterinary Laboratories to provide testing for Pythium allergy in horses. Samples submitted to
PAL can, upon the submitting veterinarians request be forwarded to PAVL for
Pythium testing.
