CANINE ATOPIC DISEASE - THE PREVALENCE OF POSITIVE INTRADERMAL SKIN-TESTS AT 2 SITES IN THE NORTH AND SOUTH OF GREAT-BRITAIN

Results of intradermal skin test responses to the same panel of 53 all ergens were compared in 118 dogs with atopic disease presented at two geographical centres, Edinburgh (87 cases) and London (31 cases). The allergens most commonly positive at both centres were human dander and Dermatophagoides farinae, but positive tests to all of the allergens used occurred in at least one case. The mean number of allergens to wh ich positive tests resulted in atopic dogs was 5.126 (Edinburgh) and 5 .129 (London). The majority of animals were sensitive to allergens fro m more than one group. A significantly higher number of positive react ors to house dust allergen was observed at London than at Edinburgh (P < 0.05), while a significantly higher number of positive reactions to grass pollens was detected at Edinburgh than in London (P < 0.05). Se nsitivity to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, in the absence of sensiti vity to D. farinae, was uncommon and therefore both of these mite alle rgens should be incorporated in intradermal skin testing panels in Gre at Britain.