Anaphylactic shock is an acute, life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs in response to an allergen. It is an emergency situation that requires immediate veterinary care.
Causes:
1 Various medications
These include all major groups of drugs:
• Anesthetics
• Antibiotics
• Antifungal agents
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Glucocorticoids
• Hormonal drugs
• Vaccines
• Antiparasitic agents (drops, tablets, collars, sprays)
• Anthelmintic drugs
• Etc.
2 Insect bites and stings
Bees, wasps, hornets, spiders. Their venom can cause a sudden and severe allergic reaction.
3 Food allergens
New food, treats, or supplements, especially protein products (chicken, beef, fish), soy, milk, and dyes.
4 Coat and skin care products
Scented shampoos, wipes, and sprays that can cause allergies when they come into contact with the skin.
5 Transfusion of blood and its components
This is especially dangerous if a compatibility test has not been performed.
6 Chemicals
Household chemicals, pesticides, cleaning products
7 Environmental allergens
Pollen, dust mites, mold, and other natural substances can cause allergic reactions in animals
8 Physical factors
Sudden temperature changes, ultraviolet radiation, cold, heat, or physical exertion can sometimes cause allergic or anaphylactic reactions in animals.
Symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction in animals:
• Severe itching, redness, and swelling of the skin
• Swelling of the muzzle, lips, tongue, and eyelids
• Rash, hives
• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath
• Increased salivation
• Vomiting, diarrhea
• Weakness, lethargy, general sluggishness
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Drop in blood pressure
• Loss of consciousness
• Convulsions
What to do if you suspect an anaphylactic reaction in an animal:
❗️Immediately contact a veterinary clinic
1 Anaphylactic shock is a dangerous condition that requires urgent medical attention.
If you are unable to transport your pet to the clinic immediately, be sure to contact your veterinarian. The specialist will provide advice based on your specific case, the type of animal, its weight, and symptoms to help you provide proper first aid before arriving at the clinic. This is important because different animals react differently, and a specialist will tell you what medication to give now to improve your pet's condition on the way.
2 Remove the possible allergen
If it is an insect bite, carefully remove the stinger (if any) and avoid scratching the bite site.
If the reaction occurred after shampooing or treatment, try to immediately wash off the product with plenty of clean water.
If the cause is new food or medication, stop giving it.
3 Provide access to fresh air
If allergic symptoms appear after cleaning the room or contact with household chemicals, immediately open the windows for ventilation or, if possible, take the animal outside to a cool, well-ventilated place. This will help reduce contact with the allergen.
4 Observe the symptoms
Remember or write down what you have noticed: swelling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, weakness — this will help the veterinarian.
Prevention of anaphylactic reactions in animals
❗️Inform your veterinarian about any previous reactions If your pet has ever had an allergy to medication, vaccines, or food, be sure to tell your doctor before any treatment, vaccination, or treatment.
❗️ Avoid frequent changes in household chemicals and care products
Use proven, safe shampoos and fragrance-free products, especially for animals with sensitive skin or a history of allergies.
❗️ Protect your pet from insect bites
When walking in nature or during the warm season, use safe repellents for animals and avoid areas where wasps, bees, and other insects congregate.
❗️Control access to chemicals
Keep cleaning products, pesticides, and disinfectants out of reach of your pet. After cleaning, ventilate the room well.
❗️ Ensure the correct dosage of medications
Do not give medication “by eye” — the dosage should only be determined by a veterinarian, taking into account the weight, age, breed, and health of the animal.
❗️Keep a first aid kit with medications at home
If your pet periodically has allergic reactions to medications, treatments, vaccines, etc., it is recommended that you consult with your veterinarian. The doctor will help you select the necessary first aid supplies for early symptoms and calculate the dosage of medications according to your pet's weight so that you can act quickly while on your way to the clinic.