Troy-

Oh, no, you didn't hit a nerve at all. It's hard to tell on these boards what kind of attitude someone is "speaking" with since there is no voice to give cues. I guess if we used the smileys more it would help, but I don't always think about it, even if it did occur to me that someone might misread my attitude. Actually, I think we might agree - there is alot of quackery out there masquerading as science and medicine, and that's how the "black magic" gets pulled into the mix! But even if we didn't agree, it wouldn't hurt my feelings. Of course, I think everyone should think the same way I do - - but I realize they don't, and I like that in this forum we are all free to express our opinions without fear of being flamed.

Oh, and your are right, I made it sound like all allergens can be identified. In fact, you have to already suspect what it might be to be tested for it. So, no, you don't always find the culprit. And hives can happen for various reasons. An allergic reaction is caused when the offended cells release histamine (which is why allergy pills are antihistamines) but many other things can cause the release, including the things you mentioned.

But, anyway, I guess this is not a medical board, so I'll let the pet talk continue now....