Rush immunotherapy in a dog with severe ragweed and grass pollen allergy

Background: Forty years of study of naturally occurring IgE-mediated allergy in animals is briefly reviewed. These studies provided models for study of bioactive mediators and innovative pharmacologic therapies for IgE-mediated asthma. Objective: Based on our experience with canine allergy we evaluated and treated a dog with severe grass and ragweed allergy whose allergic dermatitis was uncontrolled by H-1 blockers and topical corticosteroids. The dog was miserable during the Chicago grass and ragweed pollen seasons. Methods: Rush immunotherapy was initiated during the ragweed season of 1997. Results: Dramatic improvement was seen which persisted through the grass and ragweed seasons of 1998 after maintenance immunotherapy. Conclusion: The case is presented not as a model for canine immunotherapy but as an example of how animal research can be of value to both animals and humans.