Adverse food reactions in dogs and cats can be frustrating for pet owners and veterinarians, shares Kate Boatright, VMD. Recognizing common clinical signs and starting diet trials with a novel protein or hydrolyzed diet are important to obtaining an accurate diagnosis.
Boatwright says recent evidence suggests low-dose prednisolone use at the beginning of the diet trial may shorten the length of the diet trial in dogs. In some patients, multiple diet trials may be necessary if a patient has an allergy to the parent protein of a hydrolyzed diet or cross-reactivity to the novel protein source.
Source: DVM 360, January 20, 2022. Link.
There have been many tests developed to help diagnose food allergy. But the consensus remains that a dietary trial followed by dietary provocation is the most effective method of diagnosis.” – Jennifer Aniya, DVM, DACVD
INSIGHTS: We noted the difficulty referenced when obtaining strict client compliance to a diet trial for the trial period. Routine follow-up with the pet owner to reinforce trial commitment and disciplines will help trials be more successful. These contacts are easily handled by veterinary technicians.