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Skin Testing with Rush Immunotherapy
 "How is it different from traditional immunotherapy?"
Rush immunotherapy significantly shortens the time it takes to reach maintenance level doses of the hyposensitization materials, or ‘antigens’, from 12 weeks down to just one day.
An Intradermal Skin Test to determine what your pet is allergic to is done the same way as always (See Allergy Testing and Treatment), but instead of sending your pet home after the test and you have to follow the 3 month induction protocol, he/she is hospitalized and we do it for you in 24 hours.
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1. A dilute or ‘induction’ solution of antigens is custom mixed to match what your pet reacted to during the test. With traditional therapy, we refer to this as ‘Vial A’.
2. Our trained staff will start giving your pet very small doses of their antigens, slowly increasing the amount every 2 hours around the clock until your pet is successfully receiving the full concentration of antigens to effectively treat his/her allergies. A full concentration mix of antigens is then prepared just like it is with traditional therapy. We refer to it as ‘Vial B1’ and it is what your pet will receive once a week at home until his/her first scheduled recheck.
3. There is always a slight risk of an allergic reaction regardless how hyopsensitization begins. That is why traditional therapy requires you begin Vial A with our supervision or with your family veterinarian. With Rush therapy, because we are introducing these antigens at a much faster rate, we place a precautionary IV catheter while your pet is hospitalized and he/she is closely monitored. Our Emergency Department doctors and support staff are fully trained to administer this treatment and monitor reactions so you can rest easy knowing your pet is in good hands in the event he/she does have an allergic reaction day or night.
4. Approximately 24 hours after the skin test is performed, your pet is ready to go home and continue the weekly maintenance dose of antigens, having taken a 3-month shortcut on the process. |
The over all cost for Rush or traditional immunotherapy is virtually identical. The difference is with Rush therapy, the cost is mostly up front where with traditional therapy, you spread it over several months. With the availability of financing through a Care Credit no interest payment plan, the decision does not have to be determined by affordability, but rather by personal preference.
The number one advantage to Rush Immunotherapy is that there may be a faster response to alleviate the worst of your pet’s allergy symptoms. Every patient responds differently, but we know for certain that the 3 month traditional build up to a therapeutic dose will be removed from the wait.
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