Cutaneous adverse food reactions in the dog and cat – what's new?

Abstract

Cutaneous adverse food reactions are common in both dogs and cats, as well as humans. Reactions can be severe and, in some cases, life-threatening. Strategies to manage cutaneous adverse food reactions are important and include ways to prevent the development of allergy and effective methods of diagnosing the problem, together with a range of effective therapies. This paper discusses recent advances in human medicine towards preventing the development of cutaneous adverse food reactions and considers how that knowledge could be applied to dogs and cats. New therapeutic strategies involving immunotherapy are also discussed. Information on the best diagnostic tests for cutaneous adverse food reactions is highlighted, alongside the advantages and disadvantages of different exclusion diets.