When certain insects sting (most commonly honeybees and wasps), venom proteins can trigger a rapid allergic reaction in some dogs. Reactions range from mild to life-threatening. 

Venomous insect immunotherapy (VESPIT) can help to reduce or even completely eliminate further reactions in treated dogs.

VESPIT is mainly considered for dogs with a history consistent with systemic sting reactions, especially if:

• The reaction was moderate to severe (collapse/fainting, gastrointestinal signs [vomiting and/or diarrhea], trouble breathing, wheezing, shock)
• Stings are likely to happen again (outdoors a lot, known “bee chaser,” rural/woods, yard with nests)
• The culprit insect is suspected to be bee and/or wasp (including yellowjackets) and/or hornet, and confirmatory testing (see below) is supportive

Usually not candidates:

• Dogs with only a mild localized reaction at the sting site that resolves quickly
• Situations where the history doesn’t fit a sting reaction

1) Intradermal skin testing (IDT)

• Your pet is given an injection of twilight sedation
• A small patch of fur is clipped on the side of the chest
• Tiny amounts of purified venom extracts are injected just under the skin
• We watch for a localized “wheal/flare” reaction after a set time

2) Blood testing (venom-specific IgE)

• A blood sample is submitted to measure immune sensitivity to specific venoms
• This is usually an “adjunct” test done in addition to the gold standard skin testing (IDT).

Once testing has confirmed which venom(s) your pet is allergic to, VESPIT is the controlled process of exposing the immune system to very small, gradually increasing doses of the culprit venom(s). VESPIT is considered highly effective. Over time, the immune response will decrease and often subside entirely: 85-100% of dogs will have a significantly reduced or eliminated reaction after VESPIT.

There are 2 phases:

1. A) Build-up (“induction”) phase
   Goal: reach the protective maintenance dose safely. This involves multiple small injections per visit under close monitoring in the clinic, often over just a few visits.
2. B) Maintenance phase
   Goal: keep the immune system “trained.” Lifelong therapy is typically recommended.

• For the first year, maintenance injections are given monthly in the clinic. After the first year, the maintenance dosing interval is increased to six weeks, in the third year to every eight weeks, in the fourth year to every 10 weeks, and the 5th year to every 12 weeks
• All maintenance injections are given at the dermatology clinic (or in some cases it can be arranged to be done at your local veterinarian’s office) - your pet is monitored in the clinic for 1.5 hours after each maintenance injection

The vast majority of dogs tolerate VESPIT well, but rare reactions can occur (typically during induction). These include:

• Local: injection-site itchiness, swelling, redness

• Mild systemic: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, hives
• Serious systemic (very rare): severe/life-threatening allergic reaction/anaphylaxis

Potentially serious or life-threatening reactions to the twilight sedation given during sedated venom testing are very rare but possible.

How we reduce risk:

• Careful dose selection and step-wise increases
• Dogs are monitored very closely in the clinic, and we have emergency medications/equipment immediately available. An IV is in place for every “induction” visit.

If your dog has had an anaphylactic reaction from a suspected sting, please contact us to schedule a consultation for possible testing and treatment.