Anaphylactic shock in cats is one of the most common veterinary emergencies, however, it must be treated correctly and promptly to avoid endanger the he alth of the feline. But what is anaphylactic shock in cats? It consists of a severe allergic reaction, in which the body releases a large number of inflammatory mediators in the presence of external agents or substances that the body considers a threat.
The most common symptoms of anaphylactic shock in cats are swelling, inflammation or difficulty breathing, but there are many more, which we will cover in more detail below.
It is essential that any tutor is adequately informed about this pathology, since rapid action is key to being able to treat it effectively. Remember that anaphylaxis can affect any species, regardless of gender or age. Here's everything you need to know on our site below:
Causes of anaphylactic shock in cats
Any cat is susceptible to anaphylactic shock and it can occur for a variety of reasons. One of the most common causes is vaccination of the cat, therefore, veterinarians recommend always supervise the animal after the injection, even before leaving the clinic.
Other causes of anaphylactic shock in cats are:
- Insect bites
- Administration of antibiotics or certain drugs
- Ingestion of certain substances or foods
However, a risk factor to consider is allergies in cats, as well as constant exposure to allergens (substances that trigger an allergic reaction).
Symptoms of anaphylactic shock in cats
Acute allergic reactions are common in felines, even if they don't have access to the outdoors. But also, if we let the allergy progress, then anaphylactic shock can occur in cats.
Some of the symptoms of anaphylaxis in cats are:
- At the beginning of the reaction the cat will be nervous.
- You may have hypersalivation.
- You will notice swelling in the face, eyes, lips…
- If it was caused by an insect bite, inflammation of the affected area will be observed.
- He may have difficulty breathing, which will cause him to stretch his neck and keep his mouth open, caused by a possible contraction of the bronchi and pulmonary edema.
- You may have diarrhea and vomiting.
- Blood pressure drops, a symptom that should alert us.
- The cat will show weakness, due to collapse.
- Death of the feline can occur if not treated in time.
If you have observed one or more of the symptoms in your cat don't wait to see your vet, it is essential to prevent the reaction progress. It may happen that the animal does not show all the symptoms.
What to do if a cat has anaphylactic shock?
Anaphylactic shock is serious and progressive, so you should Go to the vet immediately Don't wait until the next day or self-medicate your cat without first going to a professional, this veterinary emergency is serious and can put your cat's life at risk.
Likewise, it is highly recommended to avoid stress in the face of anaphylactic shock, so we advise you to remain calm and gently put it in a carrier to go to a veterinary center urgently.
Treatment of anaphylactic shock in cats
There are no home remedies that you can put into practice to treat anaphylactic shock in your cat, however, it may be interesting to know the treatment to be carried out by the veterinarian to be well informed. Likewise, we must bear in mind that the treatment will depend directly on the severity of the case, the patient's age, weight, cause or location, among others.
Generally, after confirming the diagnosis of amphylactic shock in cats, use of antihistamines and fast-acting corticosteroids. It may also be necessary to remove the stinger if the shock is due to a bee sting, and in other cases antibiotherapy
The patient will be monitored for as long as necessary, until the symptoms subside and the body returns to normal. Depending on the severity of the condition, the veterinarian may prescribe additional oral medications.
If anaphylaxis occurs the treatment will be more delicate, as the hospitalization of the cat is required for intensive care. Your vet will likely order a variety of diagnostic tests, such as chest X-rays or blood tests. Intubation for intravenous medication Oxygen therapy and serum therapy are also common. The vet will tell us how long the cat will need to be hospitalized before returning home.
Is it possible to prevent anaphylactic shock in cats?
While there are some general tips we can follow, it is not always possible to prevent anaphylactic shock in cats. Still, take note of the following tips:
- Avoid exposing your cat to allergens.
- If your cat is allergic to the bite of some insects, go to your veterinary clinic so that the specialist prescribes a drug that you can apply in case of a bite, in this way you can prevent anaphylactic shock progress until you can go to a veterinary he alth center.
- If your cat has an intolerance or allergy to certain foods, you should consult your veterinarian about the option of an elimination diet.
Remember: anaphylactic shock in cats is a serious he alth problem, as it can lead to the death of your cat if it does not receive urgent veterinary assistance. Before the appearance of one or more symptoms mentioned in this article, do not hesitate, visit the professional.
