Skin Allergies

Atopic Dermatitis (Atopy)

Atopic dermatitis, commonly referred to as atopy, is the most common skin disease seen in veterinary dermatology and is equivalent to eczema in people. Affected animals develop allergies to environmental substances such as pollens, dust mites, mould spores, and insects, leading to chronic itch and skin inflammation.

At MVSC, we offer intradermal skin allergy testing, which is similar to skin‑prick testing in humans, to accurately identify the allergens triggering your pet’s condition. In some cases, blood allergy testing (Heska Allercept® test) may also be used as part of the diagnostic process.

When allergen avoidance is not possible, desensitisation using an allergy vaccine (allergen‑specific immunotherapy) is usually recommended for long‑term management. The vaccine is individually formulated based on the results of allergy testing and is designed to retrain the immune system’s response to allergens. Allergen‑specific immunotherapy allows many patients to be managed with minimal medication, and in some cases can significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for ongoing medications, helping to avoid potential side effects while improving long‑term control of allergic disease.