Client Information Sheet:

Rush Induction Immunotherapy

This resource has been developed for our clients who are preparing for their pet’s Rush Induction ASIT.

A supervised, in-clinic approach sometimes used during the induction phase of allergen-specific immunotherapy.

What Is Rush Induction Immunotherapy?

Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy (ASIT) is a personalised treatment that aims to retrain your pet’s immune system to tolerate environmental allergens that trigger clinical signs. The standard ASIT induction phase gradually increases allergen doses over several weeks (usually 8 weeks), with injections typically administered at home, until a maintenance dose is reached.

Rush induction is an alternative induction phase protocol. It involves administering increasing allergen doses over a single day in a controlled clinical setting, allowing the maintenance dose to be reached more quickly (typically 2 weeks after RUSH induction).

Rush induction patients are closely monitored throughout the procedure for any adverse effects. Published studies indicate that RUSH Induction is generally safe in dogs, with mild, self-limiting reactions in fewer than 3% of patients when performed with in-clinic supervision.

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Considerations for Rush Induction

Rush induction may be considered by our clinicians in selected patients, where it is appropriate based on your pet’s health, allergy profile, temperament, and comfort in a clinical environment. Rush induction is not suitable for every patient, and suitability will be discussed during your consultation. Some owners do enquire about Rush induction to reduce at-home injections or ensure close supervision during early dosing.

Other considerations for Rush Induction:

The induction phase is completed over a shorter timeframe, so ASIT can begin its immune tolerance-building sooner
Frequent injections at home during the induction phase may be difficult to manage
All injections are administered in-clinic, allowing staff to monitor and manage any reaction.

Rush Induction does not change the therapeutic effect or success rate of ASIT. It simply alters the timing and setting of the induction phase. As with any medical treatment, individual responses can vary.

What to Expect for Your Pet’s Rush Induction ASIT?

Before the Procedure

Your pet will undergo a full clinical assessment, including testing for environmental allergens if indicated. These findings inform your pet’s personalised allergy management plan, including allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT).
Flea, food, and other skin conditions will also be ruled out or managed before starting.
Guidance will be provided on any recommended pre-medications.
Prepare some of your pet’s favourite treats and comfort bedding/toys to ensure a stress-free and comfortable day in hospital.

During the Procedure

Your pet stays in-clinic for the day under continuous supervision.
An intravenous catheter will be placed for rapid access if needed.
Allergen doses are given at carefully timed intervals, gradually increasing until the targeted dose is reached.
Clinical observations are recorded, including heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, local reactions, and overall wellbeing.
Reactions are most likely to occur between doses, so monitoring is focused and continuous.
We communicate your pet’s progress to keep you informed.

After the Procedure

Pets return home the same day once they are stable and comfortable.
Ongoing maintenance phase injections are continued at home.
Mild gastrointestinal or local injection-site reactions may occur but are uncommon and usually self-limiting.
Your clinic may schedule a follow-up check or phone call to assess how your pet settled at home.
Contact our team if you notice unusual swelling, vomiting, lethargy, or persistent itching within 24–48 hours after returning home.

What Happens After Rush Induction?

Following the Rush Induction ASIT phase, pets typically move onto ASIT maintenance injections to support long-term allergy desensitisation and management of clinical signs. Some pets may show improvement within three to six months, while others may take up to a year of consistent therapy. Maintaining the ASIT schedule is an important factor in maximising treatment effectiveness.

Key Points for Ongoing Care:

Revisit Appointments: Our clinicians will provide guidance on recommended revisit schedules, helping ensure your pet’s therapy remains effective and allowing dosing adjustments if needed.
Consistent Supply: To ensure a steady supply of your pet’s personalised formulation we recommend planning to reorder 1–2 months before it runs out to avoid interruptions. Each formulation is carefully prepared in a specialised facility, and production may take time. Plan ahead for end-of-year closures when our supplier may be unavailable.
Guidance for at-home injections: We provide clear guidance for at-home injections, helping you feel informed and confident so your pet’s treatment can be safely administered.

Maintaining the maintenance phase schedule is an important factor in maximising the effectiveness of ASIT treatment.