Enquête rétrospective sur les résultats de l'immunothérapie spécifique d'allergènes chez 205 chiens atopiques en Aquitaine, France (1989-2001)

Numerous open studies have reported the favourable results of allergen-specific immunotherapy, considered as the sole treatment modality that affects the aetiology of canine atopic dermatitis. This article presents an open retrospective survey of the results of specific immunotherapy evaluated by the owners, in correlation with clinical files when possible, in 205 atopic (sensu stricto) dogs that received this treatment during at least 1 year in Aquitaine, France. The allergenic extracts were selected according to the results of intradermal testing. Excellent (absence of pruritus and lesions), satisfactory (rare signs of pruritus and lesions), poor (frequent pruritus and lesions) and bad (very frequent pruritus and numerous lesions) results were reported by the owners in 23.4%, 39.5%, 27.8% and 9.3% of the cases, respectively. The sex, breed, and age at the beginning of treatment did not influence the results. The response to the treatment was significantly better when the owners themselves gave the injections. The response to immunotherapy with only one allergen was significantly better than when two, three or four allergens were administered, globally. Immunotherapy involving mould extracts was significantly less effective. Treatment periods equal to or greater than 3 years were associated with a better response. The results of immunotherapy were better when not combined with other treatments, including systemic corticosteroids.