Anaphylaxis in Dogs and Cats: Signs, Triggers, and Emergency First Aid
A guide to anaphylaxis (severe systemic allergic reaction) in dogs and cats, what it is (massive IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation → release of histamine + vasoactive mediators → distributive shock), the most common triggers (bee/wasp/insect stings, acute vaccine/drug reactions, food, snake bite, transfusion), clinical signs (acute, minutes-hours, vomiting + urticaria + facial edema + collapse), the difference between the dog presentation (GI + cardiovascular) and the cat (respiratory dominant), first aid (protect the airway, shock position), when an EpiPen is relevant, clinic treatment with epinephrine + diphenhydramine + steroids + IV fluids, prognosis depending on how fast intervention happens, plus an FAQ.