All About Allergies- Jackdoodle's Test Results

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This is what an intradermal skin test looks like. This is Jackdoodle's, and here's how it works. Two control injections are given- pure histamine, which produces the strongest allergic reaction the animal (or person) can have, and saline, which does not produce any reaction in anyone. The skin reaction to saline is a zero, and histamine is a four. Seventy-four common allergens are then injected and the reactions are measured against the controls to determine what the dog is allergic to, and HOW allergic he is. the scores range from 0- (no reaction) through 4 (severe reaction). The red welts in the photo are the reactions.
Jackdoodle did not score any 1's or 4's.  He had lots of zero's, only two 2's, and twelve 3's.
The substances that he is moderately allergic to are cat dander and maple trees.
The substances that he has significant to severe allergies to are: Dust mites (2 different species), storage mites (more on this later- this has to do with kibble, and all dry cereal type foods), Fescue grass (which we have in our yard),Johnson grass(anybody know what that is?), Quack grass(ditto), Red clover, Cocklebur (a weed), Lamb's quarter (another weed), Ragweed, Corn pollen, and one species of mold that is common both indoors & outside in wet places, including puddles of water and plumbing pipes, called Acremonium Strictum, or Cephalosporium acremonium (cephalexin antibiotics come from this). Whew.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so sorry. I was trying for some levity earlier. Allergies are no fun - human or dogs. At least humans can say something which is much easier. Once we knew what Lance was allergic to, we were able to eliminate some of those things, but you can't do anything about some of it except medicate. I hope Jack is feeling better.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks Nancy. Levity is really the only way to get through this stuff!

[2itampco1w9fa]

Oh, poor Jack, makes me itch just looking at his red little skin. I have allergies and am taking shots, I am also allergic to cats. Hope you can find a way to control it.