5 Strands Affordable Testing for Pets

Does your cat have an occasional upset stomach, diarrhea, or itchy skin? Many times these symptoms only last a short time with no need to visit a veterinarian. However, as a pet parent, you would like to discover what caused the temporary symptoms in your cat and avoid future instances. Was the cause an allergy that has long term effects or an intolerance that is temporary but reoccurring?

If you have a cat who appears to have a reaction (sneezing, runny eyes, itchy skin) to fleas, food, or something in the environment, many veterinarians may recommend an allergy test. A vet may recommend the intradermal skin testing be performed by a veterinary dermatologist because of its reliability in determining exact allergens which can help them develop the appropriate serum for allergy shots. Some veterinarians may perform a serum allergy test such as the Radioallergosorbent test (RAST test), which is a blood test used to determine if a cat is allergic to certain antigens. Both of these tests are preformed by a veterinarian. Allergies usually occur quickly after exposure to an antigen. A pet may experience an intolerance to something in the environment or food that has a delayed response, such as hot spots, diarrhea, or runny nose.

Truffle with the 5 Strands Affordable Testing Kit

5Strands® Affordable Intolerance Testing

If pet parents suspect their cat is experiencing an intolerance to something in the environment or food, they may consider the 5Strands® Affordable Intolerance Testing kit.  5Strands offers a Pet Intolerance Test that can be performed at home by collecting a sample of your cat's fur that is sent to the laboratory for analysis. 5Strands has developed testing for both humans and pets that test for food intolerances, environmental intolerances, nutritional imbalance, and metal & mineral imbalances. Collecting a hair sample is easier and more stable.

 

5Strands focuses on identifying answers for intolerance symptoms and not allergy symptoms. Intolerance symptoms are identified as hot spots and excessive hair loss; chewing on the paws and joint pain; and severe gas, diarrhea, and runny nose. Allergy symptoms that are not tested are swelling of the mouth, chin, and eyes; hives, eczema, vomit, and diarrhea; and ear infections, breathing difficulties, and snoring. Allergy testing can only be diagnosed through a blood test or a skin prick test by your veterinarian.

5Strands utilizes a hair sample collection method and bioresonance technology to identify temporary imbalances causing symptoms such as upset stomach, paw biting, excessive hair loss, hot spots, and itching. 

The Food Test includes key proteins, grains, fruits, vegetables, sweeteners, preservatives, gluten, lactose, and synthetic additives. 

The Environmental Test includes items such as cleaning materials, fabrics, pollen, trees, grasses, lotions, chemical, fleas, and dust mites.

The Nutrition Test will indicate which of the key vitamins, minerals, and amino acids the body is not absorbing properly.

The Metals & Minerals Test will indicate your cat's body's ability to process and eliminate the items tested.

Truffle approving her fur sample

(Pet) Standard Package

The (Pet) Standard package tests 355 items that include the Food Intolerance Test and the Environmental Intolerance Test. This test is performed at home by collecting a sample of your cat's fur (preferably behind the ears) and placing it in the provided bag to be shipped to their laboratory. The test results take approximately 7-10 days after the sample arrives at the processing center. The results of the tests can be used as a screening tool to make necessary dietary and environmental lifestyle changes necessary to address your pet's issues. The 5Strands Affordable Pet Testing only tests for non-lgE mediated reactions or "intolerances."  5Strands Affordable Pet Testing does not test for lgE (Immunogloblin E) allergies, which are caused by the body's immune system.

Since the results indicate an intolerance and not an allergy, they allow you temporarily remove the item from your pet's environment or diet to help relieve the symptoms and slowly add it back once symptoms are reduced. 

5Strands encourages pet parents to share the results with your veterinarian.

Brulee supervising the shipment of their fur samples

Living with Persian Cats

Truffle and Brulee do experience those occasional bouts of diarrhea, runny noses, or itching. I was very interested to see if there was something in the environment or in their food that caused these occasional symptoms. The test was very easy!

There is a form in the kit to complete for the specific cat you are obtaining the sample. Instructions are provided on collecting an appropriate hair sample. 5Strands recommends collecting the hair from behind the ears, if possible. They need between 10-15 strands of fur. I washed the comb before collecting each sample for Truffle and Brulee to avoid any possible cross test results. Once the fur sample was collected, it was placed inside a cellophane envelope and then placed inside a plastic bag and sealed. The information sheet and the fur sample were placed inside a pre-addressed and stamped envelope and sent for processing.

We received the test results within a week and can't wait to share our results with you. When we share our individual results, we're excited to announce that we'll host a giveaway for one of our readers to receive a 5Strands Pet Intolerance Test (dog or cat).

References

AADC (2020). Skin Testing. Animal Allergy & Dermatology Clinic. https://www.aadconline.com/content/skin-testing

Barnette, Catherine, DVM (2020). RAST Testing in Cats. VCA Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/rast-testing-in-cats

Vet Street (February 21, 2014). Allergy Testing. Vet Street. http://www.vetstreet.com/care/allergy-testing