GotoAID Cats - Anaphylactic Shock

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Anaphylactic Shock

Anaphylactic shock is a combination of reactions in response to a severe allergic reaction. Anaphylactic shock is seen usually within minutes of exposure to the allergen. Anaphylactic shock may be caused by anything. Common causes of anaphylactic shock in cats include drugs, vaccinations, foods, snake venom, and blood transplants. This is an emergency and requires immediate medical assistance.

Symptoms

Pale gums	Salivation
Weakness	Facial Swelling
Diarrhea	Hives
Vomiting	Severe Itching
Difficulty Breathing	Collapse
Grey Gums

Steps

Treat if signs of shock. Cover with a WARM blanket if COLD. Apply cold compresses to the chest and abdomen if HOT. Rub 1-2 drops of dextrose syrup (Karo Syrup) or honey on your pet’s gums.

Give an average-sized cat (e.g., 10 pounds) 2 mg of Benadryl® every 12 hours.

If your pet is making gurgling noises as her lungs are filled with fluids, then pick up your cat by the hind legs and hold them upside down for 10 seconds to drain fluid from lungs.

If your cat is non-responsive and has stopped breathing, be prepared to give artificial respiration by closing your cat’s mouth with one hand and gently breathe into your cat’s nostrils.

Administer 10-20 breaths per minute for cats; with each breath, one should see the chest slightly rise. Keep breathing for your cat until he/she is able to breathe on its own or until veterinary help is available.

Check that your cat’s heart is still beating by feeling for the heart on your cat’s chest and/or feeling for your cat’s pulse. (The pulse is easily felt in the femoral artery located on the inside of the thigh.)

If no pulse or heart beat is felt, begin CPR.

Seek a veterinarian immediately

Warnings

Pets can die from shock in 10 – 20 minutes unless they get veterinarian help

Avoid breathing too hard or over-inflating the lungs when giving artificial ventilation

Tips

Signs of shock may include weakness, collapse, pale or grey colored gums, irregular breathing, high heart rate, weak pulse and body temperature changes (e.g. very cold or very hot).

Gently pull your cat’s tongue slightly forward and extend your cat’s head and neck so that they are reasonably aligned to make breathing easier

Remove collar off your pet or anything that might restrict its breathing

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