Objective: To determine the frequency of contact sensitizations in dogs with dermatitis, interpret the results of standardized allergens and evaluate their clinical relevance. We also tried to determine the possible allergic hypersensitivity of dog owners to/against their own dogs.

European patch test standard serial were applied to 22 allergic dogs. Positive patch tests have been found in 9 (41%) dogs with allergic dermatitis. The positive allergens were nickel sulphate (n=6), potassium dichromate (n=4), bis-diethydithiocarbamato-zinc (n=2), p-t-butylph.-formaldehyde-resin (n=2), fragrance mix (n=2), wool alcohols (n=1), IPPD (n=1), cobalt chloride (n=1), benzocaine (n=1), (Cl) methylisothiazolinone (n=1), colophony (n=1). Specific IgE (dog epithelium and dander) floroenzyimmunoassay were applied blood samples of control group having no dog (n=10) and dog owners (n=12). Although, dog owners were not showing any signs of allergic symptoms they were all positive for specific Ig E. In control group only 4 (40%) people were positive with specific Ig E.

Conclusions: Our data suggests that complete avoidance of dog antigen may not be possible. Moreover, these findings support the potential involvement of contact allergens in dogs with atopic dermatitis.

This study was supported by the Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey.