Food Allergies in Dogs and Cats
Food allergies affect both dogs and cats and often manifest as gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. problems such as diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems. and vomiting, but also as skin problems.
A food allergyAn allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a normally harmless substance, the allergen. The reaction can include symptoms such as skin rash, itching, sneezing, respiratory distress, or in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. is an abnormal reaction of the immune systemThe immune system is the body’s defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. to certain components in food. The immune systemThe immune system is the body’s defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. mistakenly interprets certain proteins, such as meat and dairy products, or other ingredients like soy, corn, and wheat, as a threat and triggers a defense reaction. These defense reactions involve the release of inflammatory mediators like histamine, which can triggerA trigger is a stimulus that elicits a specific reaction or state. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to emotional responses, such as fear or aggression, or medical conditions, such as seizures in dogs and cats. digestive problems such as diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems., vomiting, and flatulence, as well as skin problems such as itching, skin redness, and rashes. Scratching can lead to local bacterial infections.
The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is usually made through eliminationElimination refers to the process by which waste products and toxins are removed from the body. This includes excretion via the kidneys (urine), intestines (stool), lungs (breath), and skin. diets, followed by a controlled provocation, i.e., re-feeding suspected foods to determine with certainty which food component triggers the allergyAn allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a normally harmless substance, the allergen. The reaction can include symptoms such as skin rash, itching, sneezing, respiratory distress, or in severe cases, anaphylactic shock..
If dietary measures are not sufficient, special medications such as antihistaminesAntihistamines are medications that block the effects of histamine in the body, thereby alleviating allergic reactions. They are used in dogs and cats to treat Itching, Skin inflammation, and other allergy symptoms., corticosteroidsCorticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that occur naturally in the body and can also be produced synthetically. They have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties and are used in veterinary medicine to treat a variety of conditions., and other anti-inflammatory drugsAnti-inflammatory drugs are medications that reduce inflammation. They can be divided into nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids and are used in dogs and cats to reduce Inflammatory conditions and Pain. can be used.
Newer studies are investigating the immunological mechanisms behind food allergies, genetic factors that increase the risk of food allergies, and the role of the gut microbiome in the development of allergies. This research could lead to personalized nutrition plans for pets in the future.
The quality of the feed also plays a crucial role in the development and management of food allergies. There are significant differences in the quality and ingredients of commercial and homemade feeds. Ingredients such as soy and wheat are common components of commercial feeds.
HARDY, Jon; GAJANAYAKE, Isuru. DiagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and management of adverse food reactions in dogs and cats. In Practice, 2022, 44th year, No. 4, p. 196-203