Acute Allergic Reactions

An “ACUTE ALLERGIC REACTION” can sometimes occur when a pet is exposed to some substance which cannot be tolerated by its body. Acute allergic reactions usually occur SOON after the exposure to the specific offending substance. For some reason the individual animal’s body cannot tolerate exposure to the specific chemical.

Common causes of Acute Allergic Reactions include bee stings, wasp stings, spider bites, vaccinations, antibiotic injections, and sometimes certain plants.

Signs of acute allergic reactions include watery or red eyes, swollen eyelids or face, rubbing the face, swollen ear flaps, and “welts” (wheals, hives). Welts are small accumulations of fluid in the skin. These signs, although uncomfortable, are usually not life-threatening.

The major concern in Acute Allergic Reactions occurs within the body. If the allergic reaction is severe, the lungs may fill with “EDEMA,” fluid similar to what occurs in skin “welts,” making it harder for the pet to breathe. If the pet is unable to breathe properly, this decreases the oxygen supply which is required for the pet to live. Vomiting or diarrhea can also occur with a severe reaction, as fluid pools in a similar fashion in the abdomen. Shock, and eventually death can occur from a severe allergic reaction.

Treatment of minor reactions usually involves the administration of antihistamines and sometimes aspirin will be recommended. (Never give human medications to a pet without consulting your veterinarian. Dosages for pets are very different from those in humans.) If severe reactions occur steroids and sometimes epinephrine (“adrenaline”) will be needed, along with supportive care such as oxygen administration. As with people who have life-threatening allergic reactions to bee stings, the condition may become worse with repeated exposure to the substance causing the reaction. Prevention against future reactions will depend on what the pet reacted to.