For Dogs, Cats & Horses
Ampath Veterinary Diagnostics | Pathology solutions are in our DNA
🌐 www.ampath.co.za
🐾 Does Your Pet Show Any of These Symptoms?
- Itchy, red skin or rash (eczema)
- Scratching, biting, chewing, licking, gnawing, rolling, or rubbing
- Red, itchy, watery eyes or ears
- Sneezing
- Patchy hair loss or plaques
- Diarrhoea or vomiting
- Wheezing and coughing (especially in cats)
Your pet may have an underlying allergy.
❓ What is an Allergy?
An allergy is a chronic condition where the immune system overreacts to harmless substances, known as allergens.
Key points:
- Allergies can develop at any age
- A pet may be allergic to one or many allergens
- Allergies can cause:
- Significant discomfort for the pet
- Stress and disruption for the owner
- Reactions may be severe or life-threatening
- Identifying the allergen allows for:
- Better management
- Allergen avoidance
- Dietary adjustments (in case of food allergies)
- Improved quality of life for both pet and owner
🧪 What is IgE?
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is an antibody produced by the immune system to fight parasites.
- In allergic pets, IgE is mistakenly produced against harmless allergens
- These antibodies cause histamine release during allergic reactions
- IgE testing helps identify specific allergens
🔬 How Can the PAX Test Help?
The PAX Test is a comprehensive allergy panel for:
- Dogs
- Cats
- Horses
It includes allergens from:
- Inhalants
- Foods
- Fleas, flies, and midges
- Latex
- Insect venoms
What does it test?
- IgE against whole allergens (extracts)
- IgE against molecular components (specific parts of the allergen)
This helps provide a more accurate allergy profile and guides:
- Treatment options
- Allergen avoidance
💉 Finding a Long-Term Solution
Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy:
- Available for pets
- Helps train your pet’s immune system to tolerate the allergen
- Should be discussed with your veterinarian
🧭 Where to Begin
- Consult your veterinarian
- A small blood sample will be collected and sent to the Ampath lab
- Wait to be contacted by the lab for payment:
- Pay via EFT or OZOW secure link
- Use owner/guarantor’s ID number as payment reference
- Send proof of payment to:
📧 petallergy@ampath.co.za
- Receive your results:
- A clear, individualised report
- Sent to your veterinarian
- Also available:
- At your nearest Ampath Care Centre
- Or via email: 📧 petallergy@ampath.co.za
- Your veterinarian will use the results to:
- Diagnose allergies accurately
- Guide treatment and future management
You'll need to consult your vet for interpreting the results and further care.
🌟 Advantages of the PAX Test
- Only a small amount of blood needed
- Screens for multiple allergens at once
- Helps provide a long-term allergy solution