Cases of anaphylaxis in dogs are increasing, likely because of the widening range of substances, vaccinations, and medications to which dogs are now exposed. “Anaphylaxis is considered a Type 1 hypersensitivity reaction,” explains AKC Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jerry Klein, DVM, “which means that the animal has been previously exposed to an antigen and then produces an excess of antibodies. When the antigen appears in the blood, the reaction can be systemic (body-wide) as in anaphylactic shock.”
Common causes include:
- Insect stings from bees, wasps, hornets, and fire ants
- Substances such as some chemotherapy drugs, vaccinations, contrast material, and antibiotics
- Blood transfusions.
Tags:
Dogs