Go to a clinic immediately if
- Breathing becomes difficult, gums are pale or blue, or the pet is very weak, collapses or has a seizure
- Swelling of the face or throat, voice change, repeated vomiting or sudden profound weakness may be early anaphylaxis
Possible signs
- Rapid swelling of the face, lips or eyelids, hives, itching, vomiting, diarrhea or restlessness
- Even mild local swelling needs observation because vomiting, diarrhea, weakness or breathing change suggests a systemic reaction
What it is
An acute allergic reaction can follow an insect sting, medicine, vaccine, food or another allergen. Itching and hives alone are often less severe, but anaphylaxis can rapidly cause airway swelling, lung changes, blood-vessel dilation and shock. In dogs, vomiting and diarrhea may be prominent early signs of a severe systemic reaction.
What to expect at the veterinarian
The clinic will immediately assess airway, breathing and circulation. A severe reaction may require oxygen, epinephrine, intravenous fluids and other supportive care followed by observation because signs can recur. Tell the veterinarian about medicines, vaccines, foods, insect stings and any similar previous episode in the preceding hours.
Sources
- Guideline or consensus statement. Hypersensitivity Diseases in Animals