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===Allergen specific immunotherapy (ASIT) can also be implemented.====

===Allergen specific immunotherapy (ASIT) can also be implemented.====

This involves the administration of gradually

This involves the aubcutaneous injection of gradually increasing quantities of allergen. The mechanism of action is not fully inderstood but it seems that administering large doses of allergen in an unusual route results in tolerance. The effests of ASIT are highly variable: around 25% of dogs can be controlled with immunotherapy alone, a further 50% show some improvement, and 25% are non-responsive. Effects can take some time to be appreciated, and so a 9 to 12 month trial of immunotherapy is recommended. Generally, injections are initially given 1-2 weeks apart, building up to the full dose. Animals are usually monitored for around 30mins after the first few treatments, because anaphylaxis is an uncommon side-effect. Once the full dose is reached, the interval between injections can be extended to roughly once monthly. Most animals require ongoing treatment at this interval to maintain the effects of ASIT, but a few animals can be gradually weaned off the injections.

increasing amounts of allergen by subcutaneous

injection. The mechanism of action is unknown

but it is thought that administering large doses

of allergen in an unusual route (i.e. subcutaneous

instead of epidermal) induces tolerance. Many

have shown that 60-80% of dogs have a greater

than 50% improvement following ASIT. The

best results seem to occur with early treatment,

although a 9-12 month trial is necessary to assess

the response in each case.  

 

involves repeated injections a few days to 1-2

weeks apart. Once the full dose is reached, the

interval between injections can be extended.

If ASIT proves successful, the interval between

If ASIT proves successful, the interval between