Food Allergies

Question 1

Describe food allergy

Answer 1

Food allergy develops over time, involves the immune system, accounts for less than 10% of overall allergies, microscopic amount of offending agent can provoke an allergic reaction

Question 2

Describe food intolerance

Answer 2

Immediate reaction involving the GI tract. It is more prevalent than food allergies. Small amounts of food may be tolerated

Question 3

What is the epidemiology

Answer 3

Most commonly cats or dogs. Other species tend to have atopic allergies

Question 4

What is a food allergy

Answer 4

Negative immune response that occurs soon after consuming a certain type of food.

Question 5

Describe the etiology of food allergies

Answer 5

Adverse reactions which are caused by large protein molecules which are seen as foreign antigens by the body. Trigger the immune system to attack resulting in an inflammatory response

Question 6

What type of hypersensitivity is food allergies

Answer 6

IGE mediated type one hypersensitivity.

Question 7

What are five common ingredients that trigger food allergies in dogs

Answer 7

Beef, chicken, wheat, soy, dairy

Question 8

What are five ingredients that trigger allergic reactions in cats

Answer 8

Fish, chicken, wheat, soy, dairy

Question 9

What are the chief complaints with food allergies in dogs

Answer 9

Erythema, alopecia, pruritis around muzzle, scratching of ears, headshaking, redness, waxy discharge, licking paws, infections

Question 10

What are the chief complaints with food allergies in cats

Answer 10

Erythema, pruritis, otitis, alopecia, bacterial infections

Question 11

How do you diagnose food allergies

Answer 11

Ruleout all other allergies or ectoparasites, do allergy testing, perform an elimination diet

Question 12

Describe a novel protein diet

Answer 12

Introducing less common ingredients that the animal has never been exposed to before. Involves a single protein and carbohydrate source

Question 13

Describe a hydrolyzed protein diet

Answer 13

Proteins are broken down into smaller molecules that do not trigger or excite the immune system

Question 14

What are four important rules to remember with elimination diets

Answer 14

Feed only specialty diet for three months, do not give edible chew toys, treats have to be based on same ingredients as the diet. After 3 months give the original diet to see if the symptoms reoccur