Experimental induction of contact allergy in dogs by means of certain sensitization procedures

Three contact allergens, dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), nickel and formalin, were determined allergenicities. Contact allergies were induced in 24 dogs and 15 guinea pigs (used as a comparative animal species) by means of Draiz e test, Maximization test, Open Epicutaneous test and Buehler test, and eva luated by means of closed patch testing. Results showed that, in dogs, nick el produced allergic responses of the skin in the Open Epicutaneous test, b ut formalin did not produced it. Tn the Maximization test, however, both ni ckel and formalin failed to induce a contact allergy, although DNCB showed a high allergenicity. The appropriate concentration of test solutions for t he closed patch test in dogs were 1.0% for DNCB, 0.1% for nickel and 1:10 d ilution for formalin, respectively.