Adverse events associated with venomous insect immunotherapy and clinical outcomes in 82 dogs (2002–2020)

Abstract

Limited information is known on adverse events and efficacy associated with venomous insect immunotherapy (VIT) in canine patients. To assess adverse events associated with VIT and perceived efficacy of VIT. Records from 82 client-owned animals which received VIT were assessed. A retrospective review of records from 2002 to 2020. Clinical history, adverse events during therapy and observations following field stings were collected from all records. Patients were grouped intoreactors and nonreactors based on whether or not an adverse event had occurred during therapy. Records were evaluated to determine if a field sting had occurred and the severity of the reaction was compared to pretreatment reaction. Of 82 patients that were identified, 26 experienced a minimum of one adverse event. No deaths or severe anaphylactic reactions were reported. The most common adverse event was gastrointestinal upset. The overall reaction rate per injection was 2.8%. Only variation in sensitisation level (the minimum concentration of venom which elicited a positive intradermal reaction) was significantly different between groups (P = 0.014). Forty-one field challenges in 26 patients were documented. Therapy reduced the severity of reactions in 87.8% of challenges. No deaths were reported. Venom immunotherapy appears to be a safe and efficacious treatment for prevention of anaphylaxis due to insect stings in canine patients.