Page 249 - ATP-P 11th Ed

K9 ANAPHYLACTIC REACTIONS
AND ENVENOMATION PROTOCOL

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

1. Anaphylactic reactions in dogs most commonly occur in response to medica-
tions, insect bites or stings, and envenomation. Signs may range from mild to
life threatening and can involve multiple organ systems including skin, eyes,
respiratory tract, cardiovascular system, and gastrointestinal tract.
2. Envenomation from snake bites can cause multiple symptoms depending on the SECTION 2
species of snake, size and age of the snake, and the location of the bite. Even
though approximately 50% of bites are dry bites in which no venom is injected,
all bites should be presumed to venomous as signs of envenomation may take
hours to manifest. Delaying treatment could result in severe clinical signs and
potentially death.

Allergic Reactions
Signs and Symptoms
1. Mild Allergic Reactions
a. Swelling of the muzzle and eyelid
b. Redness around eyes and face
c. Hives
d. May see vomiting or diarrhea
2. Severe Allergic Reactions
a. Same signs and symptoms as mild reactions
b. Weakness, lethargy
c. Respiratory distress due to bronchoconstriction
d. Signs of shock
e. Cardiovascular collapse as reaction progresses
Management
1. Mild Allergic Reactions
a. Remove all collars and choke chains from around the dog’s neck if swelling is
extensive.
b. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl ) – Administer 1–2mg/kg SC, IM.
®
c. Consider dexamethasone (Decadron ) – 0.1mg/kg IV, IM, or SC – Not used in
®
many cases; use judiciously.
d. Antiemetics if indicated such as ondansetran (Zofran ) – 0.1–0.2mg/kg IV or PO.
®
238 SECTION 2 TACTICAL MEDICAL EMERGENCY PROTOCOLS (TMEPs) ATP-P Handbook 11th Edition 239