In affected dogs, however, flea bites and the inhalation of pollen both create itchy skin.

Although allergies may be caused by flea bites or environmental stimuli such as grass pollens and ragweed, other causes may include food hypersensitivity.

Former West Midlands police officer Ray Egan said: "To claim for a flea bite is just too embarrassing for words.

As we all know, even one flea bite can lead to misery for a flea-allergic feline.

Pharmacists at Chemist Direct have reported a jump in sales of Anthisan flea bite cream.

West Midlands Police said: "A police officer received a settlement after receiving a flea bite at work that resulted in emergency surgery.

In a statement, West Midlands Police said: "A police officer received a settlement after receiving a flea bite at work that resulted in emergency surgery.

Fifty-four percent of case-patients reported fleas in the home, and 34.0% reported a flea bite before illness onset (Table 2).

Old county people in the pink Doctor before noon having a drink That'sit, got it, that has to be DRAM What a clever chap I am Eleven across, got another at last If I'm not mistaken that has to be GASP Twenty across could that be FLEA BITE YesI'm fairly sure that I'm right Fourteen down, got one more That killer must be MATADOR Rascals pitch, their tents on board That'll be SCAMPS, got one more I'm starting now to get the gist Twenty two across, that's MOTORIST Then back to twelve across I jump A little sugar, got it, LUMP Twenty one across, my brain'sgone numb Can't get the rest, I must be DUMB.

A teacher who had an allergic reaction to a flea bite in Kirklees, West Yorks set their council back PS20,000 in costs and compo.

At the site of flea bite, an area of ischemia with surrounding wheal appears.

I get the occasional flea bite and odd rash but at least I'm earning money (pounds 16 a week)."

Although the banks are predictably outraged, this sum is no more than a flea bite when one considers the banks have signalled that their profits will be around pounds 20billion and the fat-cat bonus pot is pounds 7billion.