Serum immunoglobulin E concentrations in West Highland White Terrier puppies do not predict development of atopic dermatitis

Sera from 154 West Highland White Terrier puppies between 6 and 12 weeks of age were assayed for total IgE using a sandwich ELISA method. Development of clinical signs of atopic dermatitis in these dogs was monitored by use o f an annual owner questionnaire, until the dog reached 3 years of age. Of 1 14 evaluated dogs, skin disease severe enough to warrant veterinary examina tion was reported in 52 (46%) during the three study years. A diagnosis of atopic dermatitis was made by the attending veterinarian in 28 dogs (25%). Certain litters had an especially high prevalence of apparently atopic dogs , consistent with the genetic predisposition towards atopy in this breed, b ut clear evidence of consistent heritability was not present. The median Ig E concentration in 154 puppies at 6-12, weeks of age was 0.9 units mL(-1), with a skewed distribution. Significant (P < 0.01) variation in serum IgE c oncentrations was observed between litters, with median serum IgE concentra tions for a litter ranging from 0 to 27.7 units mL(-1). The median serum Ig E concentration in puppies that later developed clinical signs of atopic de rmatitis was not significantly different from that of puppies that remained healthy. There were no apparent correlations or significant differences fo und between serum IgE concentration as a puppy, parental history of skin di sease, and subsequent emergence of clinical signs of atopic dermatitis. We conclude that early total serum IgE determinations seem to have little usef ulness in predicting the later onset of atopic dermatitis in this breed.