What Is Anaphylactic Shock?

 

Anaphylactic shock is a special case of anaphylaxis in which chemical changes brought on by anaphylaxis cause all the blood vessels to dilate, leading to inadequate blood and oxygen delivery throughout the body. This, in turn, causes the heart to race and the dog to collapse or even die from lack of blood to the heart and brain. Anaphylactic shock is an extreme emergency but, fortunately, is relatively rare.

“Anaphylactic shock is an emergency,” says Dr. Klein, who worked as an emergency veterinarian for over 30 years. “If you think that your dog is having an anaphylactic reaction, seek emergency veterinary assistance immediately. A veterinarian can give appropriate medications as intravenous injections to counteract the reaction. Additional treatment of anaphylaxis consists of the administration of fluids to control shock, corticosteroids, and antihistamines as needed.” Fortunately, notes Dr. Klein, “Anaphylactic shock is rare and not too commonly seen.”