Serology Allergy Testing for Dogs, Cats, & Pets
Advanced Diagnostics & Compassionate Care at Southern Ocean Animal Hospital (Tuckerton, NJ)
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Serology allergy testing is a blood-based diagnostic tool that identifies specific IgE antibodies in your pet, signaling sensitivity to environmental and food allergens like pollens, dust mites, molds, and more. Benefits include minimal preparation, useful regional panels, and guidance for personalized immunotherapy. Still, it may require confirmation via other tests due to occasional false positives or less accuracy than skin testing. At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta oversees this service using cutting-edge lab equipment for dependable results.
Explain Like I’m Five (ELI5)
Think of your pet’s body like a superhero alarm system. Sometimes, it freaks out when things like pollen or certain foods, which are usually harmless, show up. To figure out what’s setting off the alarm, we take a tiny bit of their blood, look for special signals, and find out what things they react to. Then, we can help them feel better.
Why Serology Allergy Testing Matters
- Detects specific environmental and food allergens via the pet’s IgE response.
- Requires only a simple blood draw—no shaving or itching.
- Offers regionally tailored panels with local allergens.
- Guides personalized immunotherapy (allergy shots/drops).
- Minimally invasive and convenient for pets that can’t undergo skin testing.
- Provides key data to help craft long-term treatment plans.
Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta’s Expertise & Hospital Capabilities
Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, located at 319 East Main Street, Tuckerton, New Jersey, offers comprehensive allergy diagnostics under the leadership of Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM—a graduate of the prestigious Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. With ongoing training in internal medicine, dermatology, and preventive care, Dr. Pascetta ensures each allergy panel is interpreted accurately and thoughtfully.
The clinic features a state-of-the-art in-house laboratory equipped with tools necessary for rapid serology testing and analysis. Advanced diagnostic systems and veterinarian-led oversight make it possible to offer same-day or next-day results, enabling timely and tailored treatment decisions.
How Serology Allergy Testing Works
- Blood Sample Collection
A small blood sample is drawn from your pet, typically during a wellness visit or when flare-ups are being evaluated. - IgE Detection via ELISA or RAST-like Assays
The blood serum is tested for allergen-specific IgE antibodies, which indicate sensitivity to particular allergens. Techniques include ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) or RAST-based methods. - Regional Allergen Panels
Testing often includes a set of 36 core environmental allergens plus 12 region-specific allergens, targeting locally prevalent triggers like weeds, grasses, molds, and mites. - Interpretation & Care Planning
Results are reviewed by Dr. Pascetta and used together with clinical signs to design a tailored treatment plan—potentially including allergen immunotherapy.
Common Allergens Tested
- Pollens: grasses, weeds, and trees (e.g., ragweed, grass pollens)
- Molds and spores are commonly found indoors and outdoors
- House dust mites and storage mites are found in pet food
- Flea saliva proteins
- Animal dander and saliva, including other-pet allergens
- Regional-specific allergens depending on location (e.g., local flora or insect exposures)
Benefits of Serology Testing
Accessible & Less Intrusive
No drug withdrawal is required before testing, in most cases, a clear advantage over skin testing.
Safety & Convenience
Ideal for pets sensitive to skin testing, those having skin diseases, or pets on medications that interfere with intradermal tests.
Regional Relevance
Panels tailored to Southern New Jersey exposure profiles mean your pet is tested for the true local triggers.
Long-Term Planning
Precise results enable customized allergen immunotherapy, which can provide relief in approximately 70% of cases over 6–12 months.
Examples in Practice
- Bella the Beagle: Chronic itching led to a serology panel revealing high IgE for ragweed and house dust mites. After starting immunotherapy and dust-mite control at home, her flare-ups dropped significantly.
- Oscar the Outdoor Cat: Frequent skin infections traced to pollen reactions. Allergy drops helped reduce episodes after avoidance strategies alone weren’t enough.
Timeline for Allergy Testing & Treatment
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Symptom onset | Suspected allergy becomes evident |
| Initial exams | Rule out fleas, infections, mites |
| Allergen testing | Blood draw during flare-up |
| Lab processing | Results ready in ~1 week |
| Treatment planning | Immunotherapy or avoidance starts |
| Monitoring & follow-up | Every 3–6 months |
| Adjustment phase | Dosage/timing refined over time |
| Maintenance | Periodic boosters or avoidance |
| Re-evaluation | If symptoms persist or change |
Limitations to Know
- False positives/negatives can occur—clinical context matters.
- Not a standalone solution—use alongside signs, environment evaluation, and potentially other tests like intradermal skin testing.
- Cost: Panels and immunotherapies can be expensive, but often pay off long-term by reducing flare-ups and medication use.
- Delayed relief: Immunotherapy builds tolerance gradually—it’s not an immediate fix.
- Environmental control is still required, even with correct testing.
Why Choose Us
Serology allergy testing is a powerful, minimally invasive diagnostic tool that helps uncover environmental triggers behind your pet’s allergies. When paired with expert analysis, regional testing panels, and advanced care like immunotherapy, it offers a pathway to long-term relief and enhanced quality of life.
At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital in Tuckerton, NJ, Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, leads our allergy diagnostics and treatment program, combining advanced lab infrastructure, personalized care, and ongoing owner education. Whether your pet shows chronic itching, ear infections, or seasonal flare-ups, we’re equipped to help.
If your pet has persistent allergy symptoms, don’t wait. Schedule a serology allergy testing consultation today with Southern Ocean Animal Hospital. Let us help decode their allergies and create a personalized plan that brings relief—with precision, expertise, and compassionate care.
Contact us at our Tuckerton clinic or book online now.