Anaphylactic shock in dogs

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

As you may guess, after Stuart's episode with anaphylactic shock I'been doing a lot of research in order to better understand the signs and causes.  It would be wonderful if all of us dog owners would know the symptoms and what you need to do if you suspect your dog is going into anaphylaxis.  This could happen to any dog without warning - Stuart has been through hell and back but will make a full recovery.  We will be getting that Epi Pen tomorrow so that will help give me some peace of mind.  So many thanks to all of you for your help and support during a super stressful time for me!  I so appreciate all of you!!!

*************From PetWave

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.

 

Symptoms of Anaphylactic Shock in Dogs

Anaphylactic reactions occur almost immediately – usually within moments after a dog touches, inhales, ingests or otherwise is exposed to the inciting allergen. The first signs of anaphylactic shock in dogs usually include very rapid onset of one or more of the following:

Diarrhea Defecation Urination

Vomiting Itchiness (pruritis) Development of hives (urticaria)

These symptoms quickly progress to one or more of the following:

Weakness Lethargy Drooling (hypersalivation) Shallow, rapid and difficult breathing (respiratory distress; dyspnea) Pale gums and other mucous membranes

Elevated heart rate (tachycardia) Weak pulses Cold limbs Changes in mental clarity (excitement or depression)

Left untreated, the end result of anaphylactic shock almost always is seizures, collapse, coma and death. Dogs suffering anaphylactic episodes normally do not have severe or obvious swelling around their throat or face, unless the allergen came into contact with the dog in that area. Dogs having hypersensitivity reactions to allergens such as bee stings, vaccines or other pharmaceutical injections may develop mild to moderate swelling or bruising around the entry site. If any or even some of these signs appear suddenly in your dog, take him or her to a veterinarian right away. Anaphylactic shock is almost always fatal if not treated immediately.

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Wow, Jane!! I've been away from DK for a few days and missed all of this! Thanks for educating all of us, and I am so glad that Stuart is going to be OK! He just HAS to be....

[Adrianne Matzkin]

So thrilled that Stuart will be fine!!!

Thanks for posting this. You never know when this info will be a lifesaver. I am sorry that we have to learn on both your and Stuart's suffering

[Jennifer and Jack]

I am so glad he is going to be fine! So scary when our babies get so sick...

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Jane I missed your original post about Stuart but just went back and read it. I'm so sorry poor Stuart and you had to go through such a terrible experience. TG he is okay. You are doing all the right things!!

Thanks for posting this info. I had NO idea this could happen or what to watch for.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you for posting this, Jane. It is something we just don't expect... and then poor Stuart! So glad you were so well prepared for an emergency. 

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

Thanks for the post Jane.. truly helpful.  I hope Stuart is doing well and on the mend.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I know a lot about this in humans but how scary to know that dogs can get it too.  My youngest daughter carries an Epi pen  with her. When she was ten years old we were very lucky that her teacher in primary school was ultra cautious.  Once a month they used to have breakfast to celebrate the new moon.  Bagels and chocolate spread etc.. I got a phone call from the teacher to say that he didn't like the look of Chloe and that she was very pale. Just that.  My husband got into the car and collected her from the school and brought her straight to our doctors surgery.  By the time she got there it was a full scale emergency and to this day our Doctor has never forgotten that episode as he thought he was going to lose her.  Of course we had a full allergy testing done under hospital conditions and turns out she is allergic to seeds, nuts and all peas and beans.

Stuart is so lucky to have you as his Mom, I was also wondering if those earlier little strange episodes where perhaps allergic reactions, a precursor to this massive one?  I do hope that this never happens to him again and if it should that the Epi pen can do it's work pronto.  Is it worth knowing what can trigger a reaction for Stuart or really does it matter since if he gets stung you would only know after the event, it's not like you could really prevent it? (just thinking aloud)

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Like I said below - I believe it was a bee sting - and he was stung once as a puppy but with no reaction.  He also had that bad Trifexis reaction.  So I think this is just going to be a case of caution whenever we have to give meds and be on bee watch - lol.  The Epi as you know will buy you time but if stung or if you daughter injested her triggers - it is still an emergency - so a emergency run would still be needed.  SO DARN GLAD I BOUGHT PET INSURANCE ON STUART!!  Rooney has none. Thanks Nicky for all your advice and support!!!   

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I am so glad Stuart is ok. Thank you for posting this information.

[Sue Z. + Finley]

Many years ago my Australian Shepherd had an allergic reaction after she was given her yearly vaccines We lived two miles from the vet's office and by the time we arrived home she was showing symptoms. As soon as we let her out of the car she raced around the yard and rubbed and scratched at her face. I too thought she had been stung by a bee. After a few minutes I realized her snout was swelling and immediately called the vet. The vet told me to bring her back to the office as she was having an allergic reaction to the shot combination. They had to keep her overnight for monitoring after treating her for anaphylactic shock. What a scary situation! After that time, we had to give her the vaccines at different times to avoid another reaction. Thankfully, we never had another situation and she lived to the age of 13. Our vet never suggested an Epi Pen, but maybe that's because her reaction was due to the vaccines and we could control the times she was given them. I have never encountered another dog who had this problem.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Sue - Stuart did have a similar reaction to his Trifexis - (heartworm & flea all in one pill) but not this serious - I now realize that Stuart might have several triggers.  He is very sensitive to all medications so from here on out we will be on high alert during topical flea application and any other vaccinations.  This time I am positive it was the sting as he went into a little fit of jumping around and then BAM - he was down - like he had been shot - it was that fast!

[Sue Z. + Finley]

I am so happy to hear Stuart is feeling better. Maybe you can find something for him to wear to carry his own Epi Pen. :) He can start a new fashion trend!