It has already transformed the lives of thousands of people, by identifying food sensitivities which may be causing illnesses ranging from migraines to eczema.

Now the York Nutritional Laboratory is diversifying to help pets who are also dogged by ill health.

An offshoot company, TLC Pet Allergy Testing, has introduced the first-ever blood test which can prove or actively disprove that a dog has a sensitivity to one or more particular foodstuff.

"Armed with that knowledge, the remedy is often simple - just eliminate the problem food from the diet," said a spokesman.

He said lots of dogs were affected by sensitivities but until now, scientific proof had not been possible. "Dog owners and vets are increasingly coming to suspect that food sensitivities are at the root of many common canine symptoms, most commonly chronic skin and digestive disorders, but also cases of hyperactivity, aggression, weight problems, lack of energy arthritis and even vague conditions such as unexplained loss of zest for life."

The lab at Osbaldwick Business Park, which is the 1999 Evening Press Business Venture of the Year, says 50 dogs with suspected food allergy related symptoms were recruited to a dietary intervention study.

Serum samples were analysed for antibodies specific to one or more of 15 food allergen extracts. More than two thirds of the dogs (33 out of 50) tested positive to food allergens, with 73 per cent suffering delayed allergy responses.

Of the 33 dogs, preliminary monitoring of the condition of 22 who are now being fed alternative diets have been "very encouraging", with a majority showing significant improvement.

Top offending foods identified were, in alphabetical order, barley, beef, chicken, lamb, potato, rice, soya and wheat.

The lab won a £45,000 "Smart" award from the Department of Trade and Industry to fund its research.

John Graham, its newly-appointed managing director, said: "The Smart awards that we secured have given us a tremendous boost and we have also been an extensive user of other services from Business Link, which have supported our strategic development and growth over the past two years."

The tests currently only apply to dogs but the laboratory hopes in the future to develop the process for other animals.

It wishes to make it clear that blood samples can only be taken by qualified vets. For further information telephone TLC on 0800 169 1958 or visit its website at www.animal-allergy.com

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