This project focuses on Atopy (environmental allergies) in dogs living in Singapore. Intradermal Skin Testing (IDST) and Hyposensitisation are two main areas studied.  Small amounts of allergens are injected intradermally during IDST.  Hyposensitisation is a series of vaccine injections done on dogs on appointed days.  The objectives of this project are (i) to find out the types of allergens that most commonly cause allergies in atopic dogs and (ii) the success rate of hyposensitisation as a form of treatment.  The results are collated based on retrospective studies and skin reviews (done by the vet).  The results of (i) were based on 75 atopic dogs and it was found out that tree pollens are the most common cause of allergies among these dogs, followed by house dust mites and then insects.  It was discovered that hyposensitisation was successful as a treatment in 66.6% of the dogs that had been on it for 9 to12 months. Although the objectives of this project had been achieved, further studies with larger sample sizes would prove to be more significant and conclusive.

Student: Karen Khoo Kai Ling (Diploma in Biotechnology)

Supervisor: Dr Simon Quek, Mount Pleasant Animal Medical Centre Pte Ltd