Positive reactions to common allergens in 42 atopic dogs in Japan

Clinically important allergens for the diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis vary geographically. In order to identify the most prevalent allergens in atopic dogs in Japan, 42 dogs with a clinical diagnosis of atopy were tested using both in vivo (intradermal skin test (IDST)) and in vitro (antigen-specific IgE assay) allergy tests. Allergens used for IDST included 26 allergen extracts from eight allergen groups: trees, weeds, grasses, house dust mites (HDM), molds, foods, epithelia, and arthropods. Immunodot assay was used to measure antigen-specific IgE against 24 allergens from these eight groups and against fish such as cod and sole. In the 42 dogs, the most common positive allergen reaction was to HDM on both IDST (29/42 dogs or 69%) and in vitro testing (23/42 or 54.8%). The second most frequent positive allergen reaction was to Japanese cedar pollen (21/42 or 50.0% for IDST and 7/42 or 16.7% for in vitro testing). In both tests, less than 20% of dogs had positive reactions to molds or foods. Positive reactions to cat epithelia were frequently found on IDST, but rarely found on in vitro testing. Agreement between the two tests was found in 26 instances: HDM (21 dogs), Japanese cedar pollen (five dogs) and wheat (one dog). In this study, the two most common allergens involved in atopic dermatitis in dogs in Japan were HDM and Japanese cedar pollen.     

Comparison between an intradermal skin test and allergen-specific IgE-ELISA for canine atopic dermatitis

The aim of this study was to compare the results of an intradermal skin test (IDST) with those of an allergen-specific IgE-ELISA in 210 dogs with atopic dermatitis. All the dogs had a clinical diagnosis of atopic dermatitis and underwent an IDST. The sera of all dogs were analysed for allergen-specific IgE by ELISA using the monoclonal antibody D9 against dog IgE. IDST was used as the standard assay. In both methods, the following antigens provided a positive test result: Dermatophagoides farinae, Acarus siro, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, ragweed, mugwort and Lepidoglyphus destructor. ELISA had an overall sensitivity of 82.4% and an overall specificity of 93.8%. The overall accuracy of the ELISA was 91.3%. The evaluated monoclonal D9 ELISA was found to be a reliable tool for the diagnosis of those allergens that cause clinical atopy, and can be recommended for use in dogs when immunotherapy is a therapeutic option.     

IgE sensitivity and cross-reactivity to crude and purified mite allergens (Der f 1, Der f 2, Der p 1, Der p 2) in atopic dogs sensitive to Dermatophagoides mite allergens

The present study investigates IgE-reactivity to crude and purified mite allergens by intradermal skin test (IDST), Immunodot method, and ELISA in atopic dogs sensitive to mite allergens, as well as the allergenic cross-reactivity between Dermatophgoides (D) farinae (DF) and D. pteronyssinus (DP) in dogs by IgE-ELISA inhibition. IDST and Immunodot method for crude mite allergens were performed for atopic dogs and 16 atopic dogs showed sensitivity to mite allergens. Of the 16 dogs, all dogs had anti-DF IgE and 11 had anti-DP IgE. We measured specific IgE to purified major allergens (Der f 1, Der f 2, Der p 1, Der p 2). Of the 16 atopic dogs, six had anti-Der f 1 IgE and seven had anti-Der f 2 IgE. Similarly, of the 16 dogs, six had anti-Der p 1 IgE and seven had anti-Der p 2 IgE. However, eight dogs had no specific IgE to these mite allergens. These dogs may be sensitive to other major mite allergens except Der 1 and Der 2. In the dogs that had both anti-DF and DP IgE, IgE binding to DF was greatly inhibited by DP, and reciprocal inhibition was observed. Based on these data, it appears that there is a strong cross-reactivity between DF and DP in dogs. Similarly, a cross-reactivity between DF and DP in purified allergens was also observed. IDST and Immunodot method are useful methods for the diagnosis of atopic diseases in dogs, and ELISA is a useful method for further investigation of IgE-reactivity for the allergens.     

The results of intradermal skin tests (IDST) in dogs with atopic dermatitis from the Lublin voivodeship

The purpose of this study was to assess the positive immediate reactions received from intradermal skin tests (IDST) which confirmed the presence of IgE-dependent hypersensitivity in dogs with atopic dermatitis, which were patients of the Dermatology Consulting Section at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin between 2007 and 2009. Intradermal skin tests were performed on 142 dogs (72 females and 70 males) from the Lublin voivodeship of different breeds ranging in age from 1 to 6 years (average 2.8 years). The allergen set used in this study was the Artuvetrin Test (ARTU Biologicals Europe B.V, Holland). The owners of 84 dogs observed the presence of skin lesions all year round regardless of season, while 58 dog owners noted them only in spring and summer. Most immediate positive reactions were ascertained from mite allergens (70.61%), fewer from pollen allergens (19.55%), and the fewest from animal (4.15%) and mould allergens (1.66%). Immediate positive reactions for a flea allergen (4.03% of all positive reactions) were also ascertained. In 98.6% of dogs polysensitization was found.     

High allergen-specific serum immunoglobulin E levels in nonatopic West Highland white terriers

Human and canine atopic dermatitis (AD) share an association with IgE specific to environmental allergens, but few studies have evaluated serum allergen‐specific IgE in nonatopic dogs. This study compared serum allergen‐specific IgE levels in 30 atopic and 18 nonatopic West Highland white terriers. Atopic dermatitis was confirmed using standard criteria. Nonatopic dogs were over 5 years of age and had no clinical signs or history of AD. Serum allergen‐specific IgE levels were measured with Allercept^® IgE ELISAs using a 48‐allergen Australian panel. Positive reactions were defined as ≥150 ELISA absorbance units. Intradermal tests were performed in 16 atopic dogs, either at the time of or at various times prior to serum collection. In atopic dogs, the most common positive ELISA and intradermal test results were to Dermatophagoides farinae (11 of 30 dogs), but there were no statistically significant correlations between results from the two methods for any allergen. In nonatopic dogs, multiple high‐positive ELISA reactions were reported to 45 of 48 allergens, most commonly D. farinae and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (17 of 18 dogs each). Positive ELISA results in nonatopic dogs were statistically significantly higher than those in atopic dogs for 44 of 48 allergens, including two allergens (D. farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) commonly regarded as significant in canine AD. In conclusion, positive allergen‐specific IgE ELISAs were not specific for canine AD, and high allergen‐specific IgE levels were seen in nonatopic dogs. The clinical significance of this and whether it characterizes a protective phenotype is unclear.     

Characterization and cloning of a major high molecular weight house dust mite allergen (Der f 15) for dogs

Although house dust mites (HDM(s)) are important elicitors of canine allergy, the low molecular weight molecules defined as major allergens for humans do not appear to be major allergens for dogs. Western blotting of Dermatophagoides farinae (D. farinae) extracts with sera from sensitized dogs showed that the majority of animals had IgE antibodies specific for two proteins of apparent molecular weights of 98 and 109kDa (98/109kDa). The N-terminal sequences of these two proteins were identical, suggesting they were very closely related, and sequencing of internal peptides showed the protein(s) to have homology with insect chitinases. A purified preparation of 98/109kDa proteins elicited positive intradermal skin tests (IDST(s)) in a group of well-characterized atopic dogs sensitized to D. farinae, but not in normal dogs. A rabbit polyclonal antiserum raised against the purified proteins was used to immunoscreen a D. farinae cDNA library. The mature coding region of the isolated chitinase cDNA predicts a protein of 63.2kDa; sequence analysis and glycan detection blotting suggest that the molecule is extensively O-glycosylated. Monoclonal antibodies made against the purified native protein were used to localize the chitinase in sections of whole D. farinae mites. The protein displayed an intracellular distribution in the proventriculus and intestine of the mite, suggesting that it has a digestive, rather than a moulting-related, function. The high prevalence of IgE antibodies to this antigen in canine atopic dermatitis makes it a major HDM allergen for dogs, and the protein has been formally designated Der f 15.     

Intradermal and serological testing for mites in healthy beagle dogs

Background – Intradermal testing (IDT) is widely used in veterinary medicine to select allergens for immunotherapy. The recommended concentration for mites is 250 protein nitrogen units (PNU)/mL. It is not known whether healthy dogs responding to this concentration have asymptomatic sensitization or irritation. Furthermore, interbatch and intersupplier variability of allergens has not been fully addressed. Hypothesis/Objectives – The incidence of positive IDTs in healthy beagles was recorded and the value of combining these results with serology to differentiate between asymptomatic sensitization and irritancy evaluated. Additionally, the interbatch and intersupplier variability of allergens was assessed. Animals – Seventeen healthy laboratory beagles with no history or clinical signs of canine atopic dermatitis were used. Methods – Intradermal tests were performed with four mite allergens from two suppliers (varying batches). An initial IDT at 250 PNU/mL was used to determine whether decreasing or increasing test concentrations were used in the subsequent titration IDTs. Additionally, two IgE ELISA tests from different manufacturers were performed. Results – Seven of 17 dogs showed IDT reactions at 250 PNU/mL. There were highly significant allergen interbatch and significant intersupplier correlations and agreement. The associations between the IDT reactions and the IgE serologies statistically identified two groups of dogs: one with positive serology and IDT reactions at 250 PNU/mL; and another with negative serology and IDT reactions. Conclusions and clinical importance – Our results suggest that dogs that have IDT reactions and positive serology are asymptomatically sensitized, while dogs that react at higher allergen concentrations, but have negative serology, do so as a result of irritant reactions.     

DNA vaccination against Japanese cedar pollinosis in dogs suppresses type I hypersensitivity by controlling lesional mast cells

Sensitization to allergens of Japanese cedar pollen is known to cause canine atopic dermatitis as approximately 10% of atopic dogs in Japan were positive to the pollen allergen. Among the two major allergens of Japanese cedar pollen, since Cry j 1 is more important than Cry j 2 as an antigen to increase IgE in atopic dogs sensitized to Japanese cedar pollen, Cry j 1 can be a target for immunotherapy. In our study, efficacy of DNA vaccination with a plasmid containing the gene of a major allergen of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japnonica, CJ) pollen, Cry j 1, was examined using a dog model experimentally sensitized to CJ pollen allergen. Cry j 1 DNA plasmid and a vector plasmid (pCAGGS) were injected into six dogs and three dogs, respectively, five times with an interval of 1.5 month. After the treatment with Cry j 1 DNA plasmid, production of IgE against Cry j 1 decreased in four of the six dogs in the treatment group, whereas it increased in the three dogs of the control group. The reactivity to the pollen allergen in intradermal testing and provocation testing were obviously reduced in the treatment group, but not in the control group. The number of mast cells in alveolar area of the lung in the treatment group was smaller than that in the control group. Cry j 1 DNA plasmid was also injected into three atopic dogs sensitive to Cry j 1, resulting in improvement of clinical signs in the pollination season. These findings indicated that Cry j 1 DNA plasmid could regulate mast cell-mediated reaction against Cry j 1, which could be an alternative and effective treatment for CJ pollinosis.     

Cross reactivity of airborne allergens based on 1000 intradermal test results

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate concurrent positive reactions of related versus nonrelated allergens based on 1000 intradermal tests of dogs with atopic dermatitis. PROCEDURE: Pairs of closely related allergens (based on botanical relations and results of research in human allergic disease) and nonrelated allergens were evaluated. Significance of the difference between group means of log odds ratios was estimated using a Bootstrap percentile confidence interval. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the mean log odds ratio between related and nonrelated allergen pairs. However, there was also a significant difference between most groups consisting of nonrelated allergen pairs. CONCLUSION: These results provide conflicting evidence and emphasise the need for further studies. Numbers of concurrent reactions of related allergens indicate that immunotherapy should be formulated based on testing with single allergens to avoid exposure to allergens not involved in the dog's atopic disease.     

P-44 The presence of dust mite species in the environment of dust mite-sensitized atopic dogs

The importance of pollen allergies in dogs with atopic dermatitis in South America has not been determined. Local allergists and pallinologists have performed a few studies evaluating pollen counts in Buenos Aires throughout the year. Those studies helped the author in choosing a pollen allergen panel for intradermal testing based on local allergens. One-hundred-sixty dogs with atopic dermatitis were tested intradermally during a 3-year period, using 30 individual allergens including house dust mites, moulds, trees, weeds and grasses. The most important pollen allergens in terms of positive reactions were Platanus acerifolia (32 dogs), Fraxinus Americana (11 dogs), Cynodon dactylon (13 dogs), Ambrosia tenuifolia (26 dogs), Artemisia spp. (16 dogs), Plantago lanceolata (21 dogs), Chenopodium spp. (16 dogs) and grass pollen (29 dogs). Other pollens on the panel were less important. A correlation between pollination season and atopic dermatitis symptoms was determined. A few dogs were only positive for pollen and not for house dust mites. The incidence of pollen allergies in canine atopic dermatitis in South America must be determined in order to select an adequate panel for the area and for its main cities, and to exclude those allergens that are irrelevant locally. Special individual cases might be further tested, if necessary, with other allergens upon plant identification in the patient's environment. The findings encourage more investigation in this area, and suggest that allergen-specific immunotherapy with tree, weed and grass pollen should be considered.
Funding: Self-funded.     

Measurement of canine IgE using the alpha chain of the human high affinity IgE receptor

In vitro assays for allergen specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) are a convenient and reproducible alternative to intradermal skin testing in dogs. Such tests may be used to support a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis and to define appropriate allergens for immunotherapy. Current in vitro assays rely upon monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies as IgE detection reagents. However, in sera where allergen-specific IgG occurs in great excess, any IgE:IgG cross-reactivity of the detection reagent may result in lowered assay specificity. Therefore, we have developed an assay for canine IgE which uses a recombinant form of the extracellular part of the alpha chain of the human high affinity IgE receptor (FcvarepsilonRIalpha). Biotinylated FcvarepsilonRIalpha shows no significant binding to purified canine IgG, and recognizes a heat labile antibody in serum, with a detection limit of 73-146pg/ml. Comparison of assay signals using the labeled FcvarepsilonRIalpha and a highly specific anti-canine IgE monoclonal antibody (MAb) shows good agreement. The FcvarepsilonRIalpha is therefore a sensitive and specific alternative to polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies for canine serum IgE measurement.     

FC‐51 Comparison of intradermal test and antigen‐specific IgE test in 22 cases of feline allergic dermatitis

The usefulness of the intradermal test (IDT) and the serological allergy test (SAT) for detecting antigen‐specific IgE in allergic cats has not yet been established. In this study, we compared the results of IDT with those of SAT and evaluated the clinical usefulness of the two tests for detecting possible allergens in allergic cats. IDT and SAT using eight antigens were performed on 22 cats with intense pruritus after excluding ectoparasites and performing diet elimination tests. Approximately 50% of the cats reacted to at least one allergen by either IDT or SAT, and 36.4% of the cats reacted on both IDT and SAT. In contrast, seven healthy cats did not show any reactions on IDT or SAT. The most commonly detected allergen in both tests was house dust mites (IDT, 36.4%; SAT, 40.9%). Five cats reacted to one allergen and the others reacted to more than one allergen with IDT. Three cats reacted to one allergen with SAT. The following percentage agreement between the results of the two tests was calculated: house dust mites (86.4%), cat fleas (63.6%), grass mix (86.4%), common mugwort (81.8%), cat epithelia (90.9%), ragweed (86.4%), Japanese cedar (90.9%), and plantain (81.8%). The overall mean percentage agreement was 83.5%. In summary, the present study showed good agreement between IDT and SAT for cats, and SAT may be more sensitive than IDT, but less specific for detecting sensitized allergens. Funding: Self‐funded.     

FC-53 Serologic allergy testing in horses with insect hypersensitivity

The usefulness of the intradermal test (IDT) and the serological allergy test (SAT) for detecting antigen-specific IgE in allergic cats has not yet been established. In this study, we compared the results of IDT with those of SAT and evaluated the clinical usefulness of the two tests for detecting possible allergens in allergic cats. IDT and SAT using eight antigens were performed on 22 cats with intense pruritus after excluding ectoparasites and performing diet elimination tests. Approximately 50% of the cats reacted to at least one allergen by either IDT or SAT, and 36.4% of the cats reacted on both IDT and SAT. In contrast, seven healthy cats did not show any reactions on IDT or SAT. The most commonly detected allergen in both tests was house dust mites (IDT, 36.4%; SAT, 40.9%). Five cats reacted to one allergen and the others reacted to more than one allergen with IDT. Three cats reacted to one allergen with SAT. The following percentage agreement between the results of the two tests was calculated: house dust mites (86.4%), cat fleas (63.6%), grass mix (86.4%), common mugwort (81.8%), cat epithelia (90.9%), ragweed (86.4%), Japanese cedar (90.9%), and plantain (81.8%). The overall mean percentage agreement was 83.5%. In summary, the present study showed good agreement between IDT and SAT for cats, and SAT may be more sensitive than IDT, but less specific for detecting sensitized allergens.
Funding: Self-funded.     

Flow cytometric analysis of lymphocyte proliferative responses to food allergens in dogs with food allergy

Two different allergy tests, antigen-specific immunoglobulin E quantification (IgE test) and flow cytometric analysis of antigen-specific proliferation of peripheral lymphocytes (lymphocyte proliferation test), were performed to examine differences in allergic reactions to food allergens in dogs with food allergy (FA). Thirteen dogs were diagnosed as FA based on clinical findings and elimination diet trials. Seven dogs clinically diagnosed with canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) were used as a disease control group, and 5 healthy dogs were used as a negative control group. In the FA group, 19 and 33 allergen reactions were identified using the serum IgE test and the lymphocyte proliferation test, respectively. Likewise, in the CAD group, 12 and 6 allergen reactions and in the healthy dogs 3 and 0 allergen reactions were identified by each test, respectively. A significant difference was found between FA and healthy dogs in terms of positive allergen detection by the lymphocyte proliferation test, suggesting that the test can be useful to differentiate FA from healthy dogs but not from CAD. Both tests were repeated in 6 of the dogs with FA after a 1.5- to 5-month elimination diet trial. The IgE concentrations in 9 of 11 of the positive reactions decreased by 20-80%, whereas all the positive reactions in the lymphocyte proliferation test decreased to nearly zero (P<0.05), suggesting that lymphocytes against food allergens may be involved in the pathogenesis of canine FA.     

Canine atopic dermatitis: a retrospective study of 169 cases examined at the University of California, Davis, 1992-1998. Part II. Response to hyposensitization

One hundred and sixty-nine dogs were diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, and treated with hyposensitization for at least 1 year based on the results of either intradermal skin tests (IDST) or enzyme-linked immunosorbant serum assays (ELISA). Excellent (i.e. hyposensitization alone controlled clinical signs), good (> 50% improvement), moderate (< 50% improvement) and no (clinical signs were unchanged) responses were seen in 19.5, 32.5, 20.1 and 27.8%, respectively. Age of onset, age when treatment was initiated or the duration of clinical signs had no influence on response to hyposensitization. Dogs having concurrent flea allergy dermatitis were statistically more likely to respond better than dogs with concurrent food allergies. Although not statistically significant, there were trends for Golden Retriever and male dogs to respond better than other breeds and female dogs, respectively. Dogs having more than 21 positive reactions in allergy tests and treated with more than 21 allergens had lower response scores, and a longer time course before achieving beneficial response. Lower response scores were seen in dogs having positive reactions to cultivated plants, grasses, trees or insects. There was no difference in response to hyposensitization whether based on IDST or ELISA results.     

Evaluation of a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in dogs

Twenty-eight atopic dogs, 22 pruritic, non-atopic dogs and 10 healthy dogs were ELISA tested. For calculations of diagnostic specificity and sensitivity, positive ELISA test results in non-atopic dogs were considered false positive results. The absence of any positive results in the atopic dogs was considered false negative results. The atopic dogs were tested both with ELISA and an intradermal test, utilising allergen extracts from the same manufacturer, to determine the frequency of positive allergen reactions in the ELISA test compared with the intradermal test. The Prausnitz-Küstner test was performed to evaluate the significance of a positive ELISA test result. Based on cross-tabulations with clinically defined atopic dermatitis, the ELISA test showed a sensitivity of 53.6% and a specificity of 84.4%. The correlation between the ELISA and the intradermal test was poor. Positive Prausnitz-Küstner tests were not obtained using sera from dogs that were intradermal test negative for the tested allergens, even though sera had high levels of IgE as measured by the ELISA. These findings question the significance of a positive ELISA test result and indicate that the test is not measuring functional allergen-specific IgE.     

Evaluation of cross-reactivity of allergens by use of intradermal testing in atopic dogs

OBJECTIVE: To examine cross-reactivity of aeroallergens in Colorado and surrounding states by evaluating concurrent positive reactions of related and nonrelated allergens of intradermal tests in dogs. SAMPLE POPULATION: Intradermal test results of 268 atopic dogs. PROCEDURE: A retrospective evaluation of skin test results for 268 dogs was performed. Pairs of closely related and nonrelated allergens were evaluated. Group 1 consisted of closely related allergens with demonstrated antibody cross-reactivity in humans. In group 2, allergens of the same plant group (ie, trees, grasses, or weeds) that were not closely related were paired. In group 3, allergen pairs were of different plant groups. Plant allergens were paired with dust mite allergens, animal dander, or mold spores in group 4. In the last group, allergens not derived from plants were paired. Data were evaluated twice by use of a different definition of a positive reaction. Significance of the difference between group means of log odds ratios was estimated by use of a boot-strap percentile confidence interval. RESULTS: Significant differences in the number of concurrent positive reactions were not found between related versus nonrelated grass, weed, or tree allergens. Significant differences in the number of concurrent positive reactions were found between plant allergens of different groups (ie, grasses, weeds, and trees) and plant allergens of the same groups, related or nonrelated, as well as between plant-derived and nonplant-derived allergens. Many dogs reacting to a specific allergen did not react to a closely related allergen at the same time. CONCLUSION: These results provide evidence against clinically relevant cross-reactivity and suggest that allergen-specific immunotherapy should be formulated on the basis of single allergen test results.     

Peripheral blood mononuclear cell responses to major and minor Dermatophagoides allergens in canine atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory and pruritic skin disease commonly seen in dogs and humans. Most cases involve hypersensitivity to the house dust mites (HDM) Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Human atopic dermatitis is associated with the HDM derived allergens Der f 1 and 2, and Der p 1 and 2. Serological data, however, suggest that a 98/104kD protein is the most important allergen in dogs with atopic dermatitis. The aim of this study was to characterise the specificity of circulating T-cells in canine atopic dermatitis for HDM derived allergens. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from dogs with atopic dermatitis that were skin test positive for D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus were cultured with crude extracts of D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus and D. microceras, a 98/104kD allergen purified from D. farinae, Der f 1 and Der f 2. There was significantly greater responsiveness of PBMCs to the D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus extracts compared to the D. microceras extract, and similarly to the purified 98/104kD allergen compared to Der f 1 and Der f 2. The close association between serological findings and PBMC proliferation implies that the 98/104kD HDM protein is a major target of immune recognition and that T-cells also participate in the pathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis by supporting IgE production.     

Comparison of intradermal testing and serum testing for allergen-specific IgE using monoclonal IgE antibodies in 84 atopic dogs

OBJECTIVE: To compare an ELISA measuring serum allergen-specific IgE with intradermal skin testing in canine atopic dermatitis. PROCEDURE: Eighty-four dogs with the clinical diagnosis of atopic dermatitis underwent intradermal skin testing and serum testing for allergen-specific IgE. Tests were performed in a blinded fashion. Positive reactions were compared and the sensitivity and specificity of the serum test (using intradermal skin test as the standard) were determined overall and for individual allergen groups (grass pollens, weed pollens, tree pollens, house dust mites and fleas). RESULTS: The sensitivity of the ELISA overall was 90.4%. Evaluating the individual allergen groups, the sensitivity for dust mite hypersensitivity was 95.1%, for fleas 85.4%, for tree pollens 84.3%, for grass pollens 95.1% and for weed pollens 96.4%. The specificity was 91.6% overall, for dust mites 96.3%, for fleas 92.7%, for tree pollens 95.2%, for grass pollens 94% and for weed pollens 80.7%. CONCLUSION: The evaluated ELISA seemed reliable for the diagnosis of atopy in practice and can be recommended as a screening test prior to intradermal skin testing or for use in dogs when immunotherapy is not a therapeutic option.