Timothy allergy
Question:
10/1/2019
Is timothy hay that is used for guinea pigs allergenic? If patients complain they are allergic to timothy hay, are they more likely to be allergic to the animal it is being used for? Would IT for timothy grass treat any potential hay allergy?
Answer:
There a myriad of bedding choices that can be used for guinea pigs. If timothy grass is being used, as you know it is the pollen of timothy that is an airborne allergen. Patients could potential develop an irritant reaction to contact with the bedding used in the animals cage. I am not aware of any data that would suggest a timothy pollen allergy would put the patient at increased risk for animal allergy.
Andrew Murphy, MD, FAAAAI