PCR analysis of a prescription vegetarian diet and use in three dogs with cutaneous adverse food reactions

Background Cutaneous adverse food reaction (CAFR) is diagnosed by performing an elimination diet trial utilizing prescription or home-cooked diets followed by provocative challenge. Objectives To report findings of PCR analysis of a prescription vegetarian diet (RCV) for undeclared proteins of animal origin, as well as to describe its utilization for diagnosis and management of dogs suspected of having CAFR. Animals Three client-owned dogs. Methods PCR analysis of RCV for 11 mammalian species and poultry. In three dogs, clinical examination, cytology, aerobic culture (if indicated) and at least one elimination diet trial with RCV. Results In our case series, all dogs had a history of pruritus and recurrent pyoderma that resolved with infection control and an elimination diet trial. In cases 1 and 2, a diagnosis of CAFR was made following an elimination trial with RCV and provocative challenge. Case 3 had a previously confirmed diagnosis of CAFR and RCV was successfully used to maintain remission of CAFR-related signs. PCR testing of RCV was negative for 11 mammalian species and poultry. Conclusions and clinical importance The RCV diet was found not to contain any undeclared mammalian or avian proteins. In this case series, the RCV was successfully used to diagnose and maintain three dogs with CAFR.