Allergy Immunotherapy: Hyposensitization (General Information)

HOW ALLERGEN EXTRACTS WORK?

  1. Hyposensitization (allergy immunotherapy) is an attempt to induce immunologic tolerance to allergens that currently cause allergic symptoms in your pet. Basically, train the immune system to not overreact to normal substances like trees, weeds, grass pollens, human dander, dust mites, etc.
  2. The rate at which an animal may respond to allergy immunotherapy varies and generally takes a minimum of 3 months to desensitize (benefit) your pet; some pets do not show improvement for up to 12 months.
  3. Immunotherapy is generally not a “cure” for allergies.  Maintenance injections or oral drops must be continued for the life of the pet. The interval between injections will vary with each animal.  DO NOT STOP THE IMMUNOTHERAPY UNLESS YOU AND YOUR VETERINARIAN DECIDE THAT HYPOSENSITIZATION IS NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR YOUR PET.

Immunotherapy options:

Quick guide:

  1. Subcutaneous immunotherapy – Shots every 14 days at home
  2. Sublingual immunotherapy – Drops in mouth twice a day, every day at home
  3. Intralymphatic immunotherapy – Shot in the clinic every month 

Subcutaneous immunotherapy

– Allergen extracts are given under the skin with a very small needle and are generally easy to give.

-Maintenance dosing is generally given by you every 14 days, this can change over time based on the individual dog or cat. (If needed, this can be done in our office.)

-This requires an initial induction serum of dilute allergens which will require more frequent injections for a 6-week period. Please note the induction period does not typically induce immune tolerance and it is the maintenance dosing that is of benefit.

-You can consider Rush immunotherapy (1 day in-clinic induction) to avoid the induction period of allergy injections. The benefit to this is less initial injections for you to give at home and getting to therapeutic immunotherapy dosing faster.

Sublingual immunotherapy

  • Allergen extract drops twice a day every day
  • Are given by you under your pet’s tongue or in their cheek
  • No needles needed
  • We find doses are more easily missed and thus less effective 

Intralymphatic immunotherapy

-Very small amounts of the allergen are injected into your pet’s lymph node once per month

-Typically given for 6 to 8 months

-At 6 to 8 months pet will be evaluated:

Options:

  • Switch to Subcutaneous immunotherapy every 2 to 4 weeks
  • Continue Intralymphatic injections though the frequency may be lowered
  • Switch to Sublingual drops if desired

** Please remember that in general immunotherapy is a lifelong treatment***

TECHNIQUE FOR INJECTIONS: SUBCUTANEOUS (UNDER THE SKIN)

  1. Keep the immunotherapy refrigerated.
  2. Syringes and needles are disposable and should only be used once. After use, place in a clearly marked medical waste sharps container. Please bring the filled sharps container to us or your referring veterinarian for safe disposal as medical waste.
  3. Insert the needle underneath the skin over the neck, shoulder, or back area. Once in position, push the plunger and release the contents under the skin. Pull the needle out of the skin and discard.  Vary your injection sites to avoid discomfort. Refer to the provided book for guidance with injections.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

  1. Reactions to allergy immunotherapy are rare.
  2. There may be mild itchiness or irritation at the injection site for a few minutes after the injection.
  3. Always give the injection when you will be able to watch your pet for at least one hour afterward.
  4. During the early stages of hyposensitization, an increase in itching is common for one or two days after the injection.  If this occurs, please call for recommendations.
  5. The most severe reaction is anaphylactic shock.  Your pet is being given very small amounts of allergens slowly to help prevent this occurrence.  If anaphylaxis occurs, it will manifest within 30 minutes to one hour after the injection is given.  This severe reaction will appear as vomiting, diarrhea, generalized hives, swollen face and/or difficulty breathing and weakness.  Take your pet to a veterinarian immediately.  This reaction is extremely rare.

INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS AND Immunotherapy

  1. Allergy injections will not interfere with other routine vaccines (Distemper, Parvo, Rabies, Etc.)
  2. Allergy injections do not interfere with any other medications your pet may be taking. 

REMEMBER

  1. Hyposensitization is an integral component in controlling your pet’s allergic symptoms.
  2. Shampoo therapy (for dogs) should be part of your routine protocol.
  3. Other medications may be necessary for allergy flare-ups.
  4. Immunotherapy is effective for approximately 75% of all tested patients. Immunotherapy should be continued for at least one year before results can be evaluated. 
  5. A re-check appointment is generally recommended in 4-6 weeks after starting immunotherapy protocol (the doctor will advise).