Adverse Food Reactions In Dogs Research Articles

Establishment of clinical criteria for the diagnosis of adverse food reactions in dogs with atopic dermatitis.

Diagnosis of canine adverse food reactions (AFRs) is based on vague criteria, such as '>50% improvement' during elimination diet trial (EDT) followed by 'deterioration' during provocation test (PT). The objective of the study was to use predefined criteria to evaluate response during EDT [i.e., Owner Global Assessment of Treatment Efficacy (OGATE) = good-to-excellent] and relapse during PT [i.e., Owner Global Assessment of Challenge Deterioration (OGACD) = moderate-to-severe and/or >100% increase of lesional (Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration, CADESI-04) and/or of pruritus (pruritus Visual Analog Scale, PVAS) scores]. Twenty-nine dogs with atopic dermatitis. An extensively hydrolysed diet was fed to all dogs followed, in seven of 11 nonresponders, by a second home-made novel-protein EDT. Dogs responding to either EDT were challenged with their previous diet. Thirteen (44.8%) dogs were diagnosed with AFRs: at the end of EDT, their OGATE was good (9 of 13; 69.2%) or excellent (four of 13; 30.8%), and both CADESI-04 (46.7%) and PVAS (71.1%) had decreased significantly; at the end of PT, OGACD was moderate or severe in 12 of 13 (92.3%) dogs, and both CADESI-04 (127.9%) and PVAS (181.8%) had increased significantly. Of the 16 dogs without AFRs, 6 (37.5%) responded to the commercial (n = 5) or home-made (n = 1) diet [OGATE = good (three of six) or excellent (three of six)], with significant concurrent reduction of CADESI-04 and nonsignificant reduction of PVAS, yet they did not relapse during PT. The proposed (predefined) criteria for the evaluation of response during EDT and deterioration during PT seem reliable and are easily applicable in clinical practice and research.

An open-label clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of an elemental diet for the diagnosis of adverse food reactions in dogs.

The diagnosis of cutaneous adverse food reactions (CAFR) in dogs is dependent on a diet trial and provocative challenge. To evaluate the efficacy of an elemental diet for the diagnosis of CAFR in dogs. Sixty-two client-owned nonseasonally pruritic dogs. A prospective, uncontrolled, observational elimination diet trial study. Dogs were fed a commercially available elemental canine diet (Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental Canine Formula, Nestlé Purina PetCare Company) for up to eight weeks. Pruritus was assessed using a validated Visual Analog Scale (PVAS), lesions with the Canine Atopic Dermatitis and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI-04) and gastrointestinal (GI) signs with a client questionnaire. All dogs were challenged with their previous diet for up to 14 days. Treats were added from Day (D)7 to D14. Forty-five dogs completed the study. Eighteen (40%) of these were diagnosed with CAFR and 27 (60%) were diet-nonresponsive (NR). Dogs with CAFR flared on provocative challenges within 14 days. The smallest volume of previous diet that induced a CAFR flare was one teaspoon in two dogs (11.1%). The mean number of days leading to a provocation of clinical signs was 4.88 days. Gastrointestinal signs improved in both groups. Eight of the dogs with CAFR (44.4%) were subsequently maintained on the elemental diet alone. Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental Canine Formula is efficacious for the diagnosis of canine CAFR. One teaspoon of the offending diet may induce clinical signs in some dogs with CAFR.

Assessment of adulteration in the composition of dog food based on DNA identification by real-time PCR

In a situation where the market of ready-made pet foods is the fastest growing in Europe, dog caregivers show some concerns about the use of ready-made products. Although pet food labels must be detailed and should inform about ingredients, mislabeling is an increasingly growing problem in the pet food industry. In an increasing number of studies, species undeclared by pet food producers are detected. This is especially important when using pet foods as an elimination diet in the diagnosis of adverse food reactions (AFR), as it interferes with the correct diagnosis. Therefore the aim of this study was to assess adulteration in the composition of complete commercial dry dog foods based on chicken DNA and pork DNA identification using the real-time PCR method. The study was conducted to determine whether dry over the counter foods (OTC) are a reliable alternative to veterinary therapeutic diets in the diagnosis and long-term therapy of AFR. The material consisted of 29 dry dog foods, some of which were labeled by the producers as hypoallergenic or mono-protein. Our research has shown that both mono-protein and hypoallergenic foods contain undeclared sources of animal proteins with lower economic value. In our study, 65 % of the dog foods contained undeclared chicken DNA, while 41 % – undeclared pork DNA. These results shown that both mono-protein and hypoallergenic dry dog foods should not be used in the diagnosis and long-term therapy of AFR in dogs with food allergies, as they may interfere with the effectiveness of the therapy, giving false negative results.

Diagnosis and management of adverse food reactions in dogs and cats

Background: Food allergies are not as common as clients believe, although they are commonly self diagnosed by pet owners. This phenomenon is also seen in human medicine, where self and parenteral diagnoses of food allergies far outnumber actual diagnoses by trained medical professionals. Adverse food reactions (AFRs) in dogs and cats can manifest with a diverse array of clinical signs; therefore, the diagnosis requires a careful and systematic approach, including the exclusion of many other conditions that can mimic AFRs.Aim of the article: This article outlines the approach to diagnosing AFR in cats and dogs and the diet options available for diet trials and management of food allergies and intolerances.

Testing for food-specific antibodies in saliva and blood of food allergic and healthy dogs

An elimination diet (ED) followed by re-challenge has been the reference standard to diagnose adverse food reactions (AFR) in dogs, but can be challenging to conduct. This study investigated the accuracy of a saliva-based test for food-specific IgA and IgM and an ELISA serum test for food-specific IgE. Three groups of dogs were tested. Group 1 (n=11) included dogs with previously diagnosed and controlled AFR; group 2 (n=15) comprised dogs with allergic dermatitis at the beginning of their ED; and group 3 (n=16) was composed of clinically healthy research dogs. Saliva samples were collected from all groups and blood samples from group 1 and group 3. The results of clinical re-challenges with individual food components were compared with the test results. Specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values and likelihood ratios were determined.Forty-one dogs completed the study; one dog was lost to follow up. There was a total of 163 re-challenges. Sensitivity, positive predictive value and likelihood ratio, specificity, negative predictive value and likelihood ratios were unsatisfactory for both tests in most instances, except for IgM testing in group 2, which had moderate specificity. There was no clear difference in the number of positive reactions between the allergic dogs and healthy dogs from a research population. Based on these results, the saliva test for food specific IgA and IgM and the ELISA serum test for food specific IgE were not reliable to diagnose adverse food reactions in dogs. Until more data are available, elimination diets remain the reference standard in the diagnosis of this disease.

Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (6): prevalence of noncutaneous manifestations of adverse food reactions in dogs and cats

BackgroundMany reports describe the cutaneous signs of adverse food reactions (AFR) in the dog and cat. However, various non-cutaneous clinical signs are less well described. Our objective was to systematically evaluate these non-cutaneous signs of AFR in small animals.ResultsWe searched two databases (MEDLINE and Web of Science) for pertinent references on non-cutaneous signs of adverse food reactions. Among 117 and 764 articles found in the MEDLINE and Web of Science databases, respectively, we selected 47 articles that reported data related to non-cutaneous clinical signs of AFR. Gastrointestinal signs, symmetrical lupoid onychitis, conjunctivitis, sneezing, and anaphylaxis were reported to be associated with AFR in dogs and gastrointestinal and respiratory signs, conjunctivitis, and hyperactive behaviour in cats. In Border terriers with paroxysmal gluten-sensitive dyskinesia, an underlying AFR should be considered. Of these clinical signs diarrhoea and frequent defecation were most frequently reported to be diet-responsive in dogs; in the cat, these were vomiting and diarrhoea.ConclusionsAn elimination diet should be considered early in the work-up of dogs and cats with chronic vomiting and diarrhoea. Other non-cutaneous signs occur less commonly because of AFRs.

An open label clinical trial to evaluate the utility of a hydrolysed fish and rice starch elimination diet for the diagnosis of adverse food reactions in dogs.

The diagnosis of adverse food reaction (AFR) is based on an eight week elimination diet (ED) and is confirmed by relapse upon re-challenge with the previously fed diet. Hydrolysed EDs are commonly used for this purpose. To evaluate a commercially available hydrolysed fish protein and rice starch ED for the diagnosis of AFR. Fifty nonseasonally pruritic dogs. Pruritus was assessed with a Visual Analog Scale, lesions with the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Lesions Index and quality of life with a validated questionnaire on days 0 and 56. Antimicrobial treatments were permitted during the first four weeks, and corticosteroids and oclacitinib during the first six weeks. Dogs showing at least 50% pruritus improvement were separately challenged with their prior diet, fish and rice. Thirty eight dogs completed the ED, four were dropped out due to worsening clinical signs, three to low palatability and five were lost to follow-up. In 24 dogs, pruritus improved by >50% and 22 underwent dietary challenges. Of these, 15 reacted to their prior diets and were diagnosed with AFR, whereas seven did not relapse (and a diagnosis of AFR was considered to be doubtful). Five dogs reacted to fish and four to rice. Of the 14 dogs in which pruritus did not improve, some underwent a second ED and others were successfully treated for atopic dermatitis. The hydrolysed fish and rice diet seemed to be a useful ED for the diagnosis of AFR, even in dogs allergic to fish or rice.

Adverse food reactions in dogs due to antibiotic residues in pet food: a preliminary study.

In the last decades, adverse food reactions have increased considerably in dogs and cats. In this study we report on the possible onset of food intolerances symptoms, including otitis, diarrhoea, generalised anxiety, and dermatitis in a cohort of 8 dogs consuming commercial diets. All dogs received an organic chicken-based diet for 15 days. We performed analysis of blood biochemical parameters, kibble composition, and oxytetracycline (OTC) serum concentration before and after 15 days of organic chicken-based diet supplementation. We hypothesised that a chronic intake of contaminated food enhanced by the presence of nanoparticle aggregates might be at the base of the onset of pharmacologic or idiopathic food intolerances. At the end of the evaluation period, an overall significant reduction of otitis, diarrhoea, generalised anxiety, and dermatitis was observed. Biochemical analyses indicate a significant increase in the alkaline phosphatase, from 41 to 52.5 U/L, after 15 days (••p <0.01), while a significant decrease in Gamma-glutamyl transferase and urea, from 9.37 to 6.25 U/L and from 32.13 ± 8.72 to 22.13 ± 7.8 mg/dL, respectively, was observed (•p <0.05). A significant decrease, from 0.22 to 0.02 μg/mL, in mean OTC serum concentration was also observed (••p <0.01). Composition analysis revealed the presence of OTC, calcium, aluminium, silicon, and phosphorous nanoparticle aggregates. Further research on a wider sample size would help to confirm the hypothesis proposed here.

Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (4): can we diagnose adverse food reactions in dogs and cats with in vivo or in vitro tests?

BackgroundThe gold standard to diagnose adverse food reactions (AFRs) in the dog and cat is currently an elimination diet with subsequent provocation trials. However, those trials are inconvenient and client compliance can be low. Our objective was to systematically review the literature to evaluate in vivo and in vitro tests used to diagnose AFR in small animals.ResultsWe searched three databases (CAB s, MEDLINE and Web of Science) for pertinent references on September 16, 2016. Among 71, 544 and 41 articles found in the CAB , MEDLINE and Web of Science databases, respectively, we selected 22 articles and abstracts from conference proceedings that reported data usable for evaluation of tests for AFR. Serum tests for food-specific IgE and IgG, intradermal testing with food antigens, lymphocyte proliferation tests, fecal food-specific IgE, patch, gastroscopic, and colonoscopic testing were evaluated.ConclusionsTesting for serum food-specific IgE and IgG showed low repeatability and, in dogs, a highly variable accuracy. In cats, the accuracy of testing for food-specific IgE was low. Lymphocyte proliferation tests were more frequently positive and more accurate in animals with AFR, but, as they are more difficult to perform, they remain currently a research tool. All other reported tests were only evaluated by individual studies with small numbers of animals. Negative patch test reactions have a very high negative predictability in dogs and could enable a choice of ingredients for the elimination diet in selected patients. Gastroscopic and colonoscopic testing as well as food-specific fecal IgE or food-specific serum IgG measurements appear less useful. Currently, the best diagnostic procedure to identify AFRs in small animals remains an elimination diet with subsequent provocation trials.

Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (3): prevalence of cutaneous adverse food reactions in dogs and cats.

BackgroundThe prevalence of cutaneous adverse food reactions (CAFRs) in dogs and cats is not precisely known. This imprecision is likely due to the various populations that had been studied. Our objectives were to systematically review the literature to determine the prevalence of CAFRs among dogs and cats with pruritus and skin diseases.ResultsWe searched two databases for pertinent references on August 18, 2016. Among 490 and 220 articles respectively found in the Web of Science (Science Citation Index Expanded) and CAB databases, we selected 22 and nine articles that reported data usable for CAFR prevalence determination in dogs and cats, respectively. The prevalence of CAFR in dogs and cats was found to vary depending upon the type of diagnoses made. Among dogs presented to their veterinarian for any diagnosis, the prevalence was 1 to 2% and among those with skin diseases, it ranged between 0 and 24%. The range of CAFR prevalence was similar in dogs with pruritus (9 to 40%), those with any type of allergic skin disease (8 to 62%) and in dogs diagnosed with atopic dermatitis (9 to 50%). In cats presented to a university hospital, the prevalence of CAFR was less than 1% (0.2%), while it was fairly homogeneous in cats with skin diseases (range: 3 to 6%), but higher in cats with pruritus (12 to 21%) than in cats with allergic skin disease (5 to 13%).ConclusionsAmong dogs and cats with pruritus and those suspected of allergic skin disease, the prevalence of CAFR is high enough to justify this syndrome to be ruled-out with a restriction (elimination)-provocation dietary trial. This must especially be considered in companion animals with nonseasonal pruritus or signs of allergic dermatitis.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-017-0973-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-rich oil intake may enhance the susceptibility to develop adverse food reactions in dogs

The n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-rich oil intake may enhance the susceptibility to develop adverse food reactions in dogs

Prevalence of adverse food reactions in 130 dogs in Italy with dermatological signs: a retrospective study

To determine the prevalence of adverse food reactions (AFRs) in dogs with dermatological signs presented to the referral dermatological clinic of the University of Milan. The medical records of dogs with dermatological signs were reviewed. Prevalence of AFRs was calculated. Owner and clinician pruritus scores were compared. Breed, sex and age predisposition were statistically tested, as was the association between AFR and selected clinical features. The prevalence of AFRs in dogs with dermatological signs was 12% (16 of 130). AFR was diagnosed in 26% of dogs with allergic disease and 48% of those subjected to a dietary trial. There was a significant association between AFRs and early onset of clinical signs (< 1 year) (OR=3.8; P=0.0221, 95% CI=1.27 to 11.16). There was a significant association between AFRs and both otitis externa (OR=5.9; P=0.0015, 95% CI=2 to 17.9) and perianal fistula (OR=26.1; P=0.0058, 95% CI=2.52 to 269.4), although all dogs with perianal fistulas were German shepherd dogs. The prevalence of AFRs in the study population was higher than most reported values. Further studies are warranted to investigate the true prevalence of AFR and its possible association with perianal fistula and other potential markers.

Cutaneous adverse food reactions in dogs: Something new to chew on

Food allergy is a common disease affecting approximately 8% of children and 5% of adults. The prevalence has increased over the last two decades, suggesting an important environmental contribution to susceptibility. Studies have identified mode of birth, pet exposure, and having older siblings as being significant risk modifying factors in the development of food allergy. With the discovery that these factors significantly impact the composition of the intestinal microbiome, which is known to play a critical role in shaping the immune system, recent studies have begun to address the role of the intestinal microbiota in the development of food allergy. Studies in human cohorts support a dysbiosis in food allergy, and limited data suggest that this dysbiosis occurs early in life, preceding the onset of sensitization. Studies from animal models have clearly shown that the composition of the intestinal microbiota confers susceptibility to food allergy, and that there are organisms such as Clostridia species that are protective in the development of food allergy. Our understanding of microbial regulation of food allergy is in its nascency, but the state of the field supports an important contribution of intestinal microbes to susceptibility. Challenges going forward are to identify commensal-derived microorganisms that could be used therapeutically to prevent or perhaps treat food allergy.

Identification of allergens responsible for canine cutaneous adverse food reactions to lamb, beef and cow's milk

Lamb, beef and cow's milk are common causes of cutaneous adverse food reactions in dogs. The aim of this study was to identify the proteins responsible for cutaneous adverse reactions to these foods. Ten dogs with allergen-specific serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E to lamb, beef and cow's milk were included in the study. These dogs had been diagnosed with cutaneous adverse food reactions by convincing clinical history and food-elimination diet trials followed by challenge exposure. Sera were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with bovine proteins and SDS-PAGE immunoblots with lamb, beef and cow's milk extracts. All the dogs had specific IgE against bovine IgG, and it was the only protein in the cow's milk extract that bound IgE from the sera studied. In the lamb and beef extracts, the major allergens recognized by the specific IgE of most sera had molecular masses between 51 and 58 kDa, which were identified as phosphoglucomutase and the IgG heavy chain. Other IgE-binding proteins with molecular masses of 27, 31, 33, 37 and 42 kDa were also detected with some sera. Our results indicate that bovine IgG is a major allergen in cow's milk and hence it appears to be a source of cross-reactivity with beef and probably with lamb because of the high homology with ovine immunoglobulins. These results are similar to those found for meat allergy in humans. However, this is the first time that phosphoglucomutase has been identified as an important allergen involved in allergic reactions to lamb and beef.

Diagnostic techniques in dermatology: The investigation and diagnosis of adverse food reactions in dogs and cats

Most veterinary clinicians recognize a population of patients in which dermatologic and/or gastrointestinal signs are related to the feeding of particular dietary components. This article briefly reviews the clinical signs associated with adverse food reactions in dogs and cats, and discusses the practical issues associated with confirming a diagnosis.