Acute Allergic Reactions
Main Index / Cats / Diseases and
Problems
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 earflaps,
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.
© Copyright 2001 PetsVetsandYou,
Inc. All Rights Reserved.