Anaphylactic shock, also called anaphylaxis, is an acute, systemic and extremely serious allergic reaction that, if not treated quickly, can cause rapid cardiovascular decompensation, respiratory distress and death. The symptoms and consequences of anaphylactic shock in dogs differ from those in other mammals. However, anaphylaxis is every bit as much of a life-threatening medical emergency in dogs as it is in people.There are countless potential causes of anaphylactic shock in dogs, depending upon the particular
Anaphylaxis is an unusual or exaggerated allergic reaction (called “hypersensitivity”) to a foreign protein or some other foreign substance, such as a drug or toxin (these are called “allergens”). Anaphylactic shock refers to the serious and generalized state of shock brought about by this hypersensitivity and is the end result of a severe anaphylactic reaction. If not treated quickly, anaphylaxis can cause rapid and devastating consequences, up to and including death. There are innumerable causes
For most people, the phrase “anaphylactic shock” conjures up images of a life-threatening allergic reaction to a bee sting or some other trigger that causes rapid throat and bronchial constriction. Anaphylaxsis manifests somewhat differently in dogs than it does in people, but it still is a potentially fatal medical emergency. Anaphylactic reactions in people typically affect the throat, trachea and upper airways, because the reaction normally starts in the lungs. In dogs, anaphylaxis primarily targets
Anaphylactic shock is not particularly difficult to diagnose. However, it is essential that treatment begin before formal diagnostic efforts are made, because timely treatment is the most important factor in whether affected animals will survive.Virtually all cases of anaphylactic shock are diagnosed based only on history and physical examination. Treatment must begin immediately, if not sooner, if a dog experiencing an anaphylactic episode is going to have a fighting chance of recovery. Once the animal
When an owner notices sudden and dramatic onset of difficulty breathing, severe itchiness and scratching, abnormal drooling, excitement or lethargy in abnormal situations, weakness, hives (raised red patches or bumps on the skin) and/or collapse, he should get his dog to a veterinarian as quickly as humanly possible. Anaphylactic shock in dogs is a real medical emergency that must be treated immediately if the dog is going to survive. This condition cannot be treated by