A Retrospective Review of Patient's Experience and Response to Dog Immunotherapy

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RATIONALE: Few studies have evaluated the benefits received from aqueous based dog immunotherapy among sensitized individuals.

METHODS: A telephone survey was conducted among patients that previously demonstrated dog specific IgE and who were receiving immunotherapy containing an aqueous based dog extract. Participants were questioned about symptoms experienced upon dog exposure prior to immunotherapy and whether these symptoms were improved with immunotherapy. Length of treatment, allergen reduction strategies implemented, dog removal recommendations, and dog specific triggers were also queried.

RESULTS: Review of immunotherapy records identified 39 individuals receiving immunotherapy containing commercial dog extract. Surveys were completed by 26 patients. Nasal symptoms were the most frequently reported symptoms prior to immunotherapy followed by ocular, respiratory and cutaneous. The amount of dog extract in a 10 milliliter vial ranged from 1-7 milliliters of a 1:10 weight/volume commercial extract. Of the 23 patients that experienced symptoms prior to initiating immunotherapy 20 (87%) had improvement in symptoms. Eleven of the 18 patients that had dogs recalled recommendations to remove their dog from the home. None of the patients followed this advice. Two individuals reported not having symptoms to their own dog while 7 attributed symptoms to specific breeds. Common allergen reduction strategies utilized by patients included dog washing (42%), HEPA filtration (35%), restriction of dogs to certain areas of the home (38%), HEPA filtration equipped vacuum cleaners (42%) along with “allergy sprays,”and removal of carpet.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the majority of dog sensitive patients perceived benefit from an aqueous based dog extract without removing their dog.