TAMU Feline Allergy Study

Caitlin Older

colder@cvm.tamu.edu

Inclusion Criteria:
Cats with allergic asthma *we can provide Baermann and fecal flotation at TAMU free of charge for this study, but in this case fecal samples would need to be sent immediately with the attached parasitology submission form.

• clinical signs of respiratory disease (historical or on physical examination including coughing, wheezing, dyspnea, tachypnea)

• compatible radiographic changes (generalized bronchial or bronchointerstitial lung pattern or hyperinflation of the lungs)

• negative Baermann

• negative fecal flotation

• negative heartworm antibody test

• at least 1 year old

• 14 days since last administration of oral steroids or cyclosporine

• 1 month since injectable steroidsCats with gi parasites

• 1 year old

• 14 days since last administration of oral steroids or cyclosporine

• 1 month since injectable steroids!

• at least 1 year old

• 14 days since last administration of oral steroids or cyclosporine

• 1 month since injectable steriods
  

Cats with allergic dermatitis history of pruritus/over-grooming and/or that show typical cutaneous reactions patterns (eosinophilic skin lesions, miliary dermatitis, self-induced alopecia, and/or head and neck pruritus) have had all infectious causes of pruritus ruled out

Additional Comments:
Interleukin-31 (IL-31) is a cytokine that has shown to be associated with pruritus (itch) in human and canine atopic dermatitis and human asthma. Due to its role in allergic diseases, IL-31 has become a drug target in human and veterinary medicine. Two therapeutic options related to IL-31 are available for dogs and have been successful in many patients. Unfortunately, there has not been any published studies regarding the role of IL-31 in feline allergic skin disease or feline asthma. Therefore, the aim of this project is to study the role of IL-31 in naturally-occurring feline allergic skin disease and asthma.