Anaphylactic shock is a life threatening situation that should never be underestimated. Cats exhibiting symptoms of anaphylactic shock should be reported immediately to their veterinarian or closest animal emergency center. This is a condition where seconds really count. Failure to treat a cat in anaphylactic shock may cause shock, respiratory distress, cardiac failure and ultimately, death.
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Definition
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An anaphylactic shock takes place when the cat's body responds to an allergy trigger in an overexaggerated manner. It is basically a severe form of an allergic reaction which causes the cat's mast cells to produce a large amount of immune regulating compounds. Overwhelmed, the cat's body responds to this exaggerated body response producing a variety of symptoms that should be perceived as serious red flags.
Causes
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Cats may develop an anaphylactic shock as a response to a variety of triggers. One of the most common causes are vaccinations. Indeed, this is why many times pet owners are told to watch their cat post-vaccination for a few minutes before leaving the vet clinic. Other common triggers are insect bites, antibiotics and medications in general, and certain food.
Symptoms
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Affected cats will develop distinct symptoms. Generally, the more fast the onset of symptoms the more severe the form of shock. Because of the large amount of immune regulating compounds released by the immune system, the cat's blood vessels will swell causing a drop of blood pressure. The most common symptoms observed are: vomiting, diarrhea, facial swelling, hives, pale gums, cold limbs, difficulty walking, restlessness, fast heart rate, weak pulse, shock and seizures.
Treatment
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Treatment of anaphlyactic shock in cats consist of prompt veterinary care. An epinephrine shot should be given as soon as possible. This is given intravenously because this is the fastest way to get it in the blood stream. The function of epinephrine is to increase the heart rate, constrict the swollen blood vessels and reduce the release of immune regulating compounds.In severe cases, oxygen may be delivered. After the cat is stable, supportive care is initiated. Fluids are given to help recover from the shock. The cat is then monitored until the veterinarian feels the cat is ready to go home.
Prevention/Solution
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In some cases, anaphylactic shocks can e prevented. For cats that are allergic to vaccines, antihistamines may be injected prior and epinephrine can be kept handy just in case. Owners of cats allergic to insect stings should always carry an epi-pen with them, cats allergic to certain foods should be put on an exclusion diet and so forth. It is important to note that anaphylactic shock is not a one time ordeal and that it can occur again if the cat is exposed to the triggering allergen in the future.
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