Investigating Factors that Affect Total IgE Antibody Levels of a Canine Population in Louisville, KY
Date of Project
12-7-2025
Document Type
Honors Thesis
School Name
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Biology
Major Advisor
Dr. Carrie Doyle
Second Advisor
Dr. Amanda Krzysiak
Abstract
Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a genetically predisposed condition that causes inflammatory and pruritic (itchy) skin reactions in response to environmental and food allergens. The main purpose of this study is to determine if there is a correlation between pollen counts and total canine IgE antibody levels of dogs living in Louisville, KY. Additionally, data is analyzed to look for trends documented in previous studies related to the impacts of sex, age, and allergic symptoms on total IgE count. In collaboration with the Downtown Animal Hospital, blood samples were drawn from 16 dogs at one point in February (when pollen counts are historically low) and at another point in August (when pollen counts are historically high). Owners of dogs participating in the study filled out a questionnaire providing information including age, sex, breed, diet, current medications, and presence or absence of common CAD symptoms. Blood (spun down for serum) samples were analyzed using a canine IgE ELISA kit, which generated a standard curve from which total IgE in samples were calculated. Total IgE counts from each individual were compared for any significant difference in February and August samples. This study found no significant seasonal fluctuation in total canine IgE concentrations based on two points in time. However, this adds to a growing body of research on CAD, which can be extremely uncomfortable for pets suffering from it and is costly and difficult to diagnose.
Recommended Citation
Gillespie, Iris N., "Investigating Factors that Affect Total IgE Antibody Levels of a Canine Population in Louisville, KY" (2025). Undergraduate Theses. 204.
https://scholarworks.bellarmine.edu/ugrad_theses/204