Why Test?
Seasonal allergic reactions in horses can affect the skin, respiratory tract, and even digestion. Identifying specific sensitivities to pollens — such as grasses, weeds, and trees — is crucial for effective long-term management and avoiding unnecessary treatments. Horses of any breed, age, or sex can be affected, often with symptoms that peak during spring and summer.
Key Benefits
- Precise allergen identification: Based on specific IgE response
- HERBU scoring system: Results reported on a 0–5 scale for clinical clarity
- Minimally invasive: Requires only a blood sample — no sedation, shaving, or intradermal injections
- Highly reproducible: Standardized and validated laboratory method
-
Fast turnaround: Results ready in 2 to 7 working days
What’s Tested?
-
The test covers three key allergen classes relevant to seasonal exposures. Results are IgE-specific, avoiding cross-reactivity with IgG or CCDs.
🌱 Grasses and Crops
-
Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass)
-
Phleum pratense (Timothy grass)
-
Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass)
-
Festuca pratensis (Meadow fescue)
-
Sorghum halepense (Johnson grass)
-
Secale cereale (Rye)
-
Dactylis glomerata (Orchard grass)
-
Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort)
🌿 Weeds
-
Chenopodium album (Lamb’s quarters)
-
Plantago lanceolata (Plantain)
-
Rumex crispus (Curly dock)
🌳 Trees
-
Betula populifolia (Gray birch)
-
Salix caprea (Goat willow)
-
Corylus avellana (Hazel)
-
Fagus sylvatica (Beech)
-
🧪 Sample Requirements
-
2 mL serum
or -
4 mL whole blood (serum tube)
⏱️ Turnaround Time
-
2 to 7 working days
🧬 About the Results
-
Results are expressed using the HERBU score (0–600)
-
Each allergen is classified into clinical reactivity classes (0–5)
-
IgE-specific testing avoids cross-reactions with IgG or irrelevant allergens
-
Supports formulation of custom Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy (ASIT) when indicated