Dog Health & Care

Blood Tests May Detect Allergies in Dogs

Itchy, inflamed skin, called atopic dermatitis, is a common and frustrating condition that is difficult to diagnose, as tests for allergies are not always definitive.

A recent study conducted by VetCell Therapeutics, which manufactures cell therapies for veterinary applications, and Western University of Health Sciences, published in June in the journal PLOS ONE, showed how biomarkers in the blood may be used to quickly identify atopic dermatitis. The researchers are also investigating whether stem cell therapy might help dogs with allergies by reducing inflammation caused by atopic dermatitis, which might reduce itching and scratching.

Tags: Dogster Magazine, Obsessions

Jackie Brown

Pet expert Jackie Brown has spent 20 years following her passion for animals as a writer and editor in the pet publishing industry. She is contributing writer for National Geographic’s Complete Guide to Pet Health, Behavior, and Happiness: The Veterinarian's Approach to At-Home Animal Care (April 2019) and author of the book It’s Raining Cats and Dogs: Making Sense of Animal Phrases (Lumina Press, 2006). Jackie is a regular contributor to pet and veterinary industry media and is the former editor of numerous pet magazines, including Dog World, Natural Dog, Puppies 101, Kittens 101 and the Popular Cats Series. Prior to starting her career in publishing, Jackie spent eight years working in veterinary hospitals where she assisted veterinarians as they treated dogs, cats, rabbits, pocket pets, reptiles, birds and one memorable lion cub. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons and miniature poodle Jäger. Reach her at jackiebrownwriter.wordpress.com.

Comments