Survey of intradermal skin testing practices in North America

Allergic skin diseases are commonly diagnosed by veterinarians. Inhalant-related allergic diseases are especially prevalent in companion animal species. Intradermal skin testing (IDST) is the usual method for diagnosis of these syndromes, and is often followed by hyposensitization treatment if an animal reacts to substances during testing. A mail survey of veterinarians in the United States and Canada was conducted to determine current procedures in use for IDST and opinions on results of IDST and hyposensitization. Results of the survey indicate that IDST procedures are not currently standardized and that there is wide variation in the methods used. Opinion regarding results of skin testing and hyposensitization was largely in agreement with previously published patient studies.