Client Information Sheet:

Bee and Wasp Venom Immunotherapy Treatment (VIT)

This resource has been developed for our clients who are preparing for their pet’s bee and wasp venom allergy test or immunotherapy treatment.

Venom immunotherapy is a specialised treatment that can reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, following future stings.

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What Is a Venom Allergy?

Some pets develop an exaggerated immune response after being stung by insects such as bees or wasps. While many stings cause only local pain and swelling, sensitised pets may experience a systemic allergic reaction. These reactions can escalate rapidly and may become life-threatening.

Signs of a venom reaction can include:

Local pain, redness, or swelling
Hives (urticaria) or facial swelling
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Difficulty breathing
Collapse, pale gums, or sudden weakness
Life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Sensitised pets may be at risk for more severe reactions with subsequent stings. Studies have indicated:

More than 40% of dogs will have a more severe reaction on subsequent stings
Pets with a history of a strong reaction have nearly a two in three chance of another severe episode
Anaphylaxis in dogs has a reported mortality rate of approximately 15%.

Because of these risks and their associated unpredictability, early assessment by one of our veterinary dermatology clinicians following an exaggerated immune response is strongly recommended.

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What Is Venom Testing and Treatment?

Testing

Venom testing can identify whether your pet is allergic to bee venom, wasp venom, or both.

During testing:

Testing is performed under light sedation to ensure comfort and accuracy.
Intradermal injections of gradually increasing concentrations of purified bee or wasp venom are administered in-clinic.
Skin reactions are closely observed and measured. Testing stops immediately if a strong reaction occurs.

Results from this test confirm your pets specific venom sensitivities, allowing a venom immunotherapy treatment (VIT) to be precisely tailored to your pet’s allergy profile.

Treatment

Venom immunotherapy is the only treatment that modifies the immune system rather than simply managing symptoms.

By gradually retraining your pet’s immune response to tolerate venom exposure, it significantly reduces the risk of severe systemic reactions in future.

During treatment Immunotherapy is:

Delivered via subcutaneous injections
Structured as an initial build-up or induction phase followed by a long-term maintenance phase.

Dosing and schedules are tailored by our clinicians to your pet’s individual risk profile and response to treatment.

What to Expect for Your Pet’s Venom Allergy Testing and Treatment?

Preparation

Your pet will undergo a full clinical assessment to review their sting history, previous reactions, overall health, and suitability for venom testing and immunotherapy. This helps ensure testing and treatment are performed as safely as possible.

If testing is planned:

Our clinician will discuss the testing process and any preparation required.
Guidance will be provided on fasting prior to sedation, if applicable.
Certain medications may interfere with test accuracy. Withdrawal instructions may include injectable corticosteroids – 6 weeks, oral corticosteroids – 4 weeks or antihistamines and some topical medications – 2 weeks.
Any other medications will be reviewed, and adjustments made if needed.

Please let our team know if your pet becomes anxious in clinical environments, as we can discuss strategies to support their comfort during subsequent testing and treatment visits.

Venom Allergy Testing

Venom testing is performed in-clinic under light sedation to allow accurate assessment while minimising stress and movement.

Testing is typically performed on the lower right side of the chest. A small rectangular area is shaved, and allergen injections are placed side-by-side within the same prepared area.
Small intradermal injections of purified bee and/or wasp venom are administered at carefully controlled concentrations.
Skin reactions are closely observed and measured at each step. Testing stops immediately if a strong or concerning reaction occurs.
Your pet is closely monitored throughout the procedure and during recovery.

Once testing is complete, results are interpreted by our clinician to confirm which venom or venoms your pet is sensitised to. These results allow a venom immunotherapy treatment (VIT) to be specifically tailored to your pet’s allergy profile.

Induction Phase Treatment

Following interpretation of the test results, if venom immunotherapy is recommended by our clinicians:

Treatment begins with an induction phase, gradually introducing increasing doses of venom to retrain the immune system.
Induction dosing is performed in-clinic under close veterinary supervision to monitor your pet’s response.
The pace and schedule of dose increases are individualised based on your pet’s medical history, previous reactions, temperament, and overall health.
Pets are closely monitored during induction dosing, as this is the period when reactions are most likely to occur.

Throughout the induction phase treatment, your pet’s comfort is prioritised. Owners are welcome to bring familiar items such as a blanket, toy, or treat to help your pet feel relaxed.

What Happens After The Induction Phase?

Following the induction phase, pets move into the maintenance phase of venom immunotherapy. This phase is designed to maintain immune tolerance and provide ongoing protection against severe allergic reactions to future stings.

During the maintenance phase:

Injections are given at regular intervals, typically in-clinic, with schedules tailored to your pet’s individual response and risk profile.
Most pets begin to show protective benefit within three to six months, although some may require longer periods of consistent therapy.
Maintaining the recommended dosing schedule is important to maximise the effectiveness of treatment.
Monitoring and follow-up appointments help your clinician review your pet’s response, adjust doses if needed, and ensure therapy remains safe and effective.

With careful adherence to the maintenance schedule, venom immunotherapy is a safe and effective way to significantly reduce the risk of life-threatening reactions, giving you confidence when enjoying outdoor activities with your pet.