Did your vet happen to say the term ‘Anaphylaxis’ when you consulted him/her with your cat? Well, actually, this term mainly means allergic shock, most especially in cats. Anaphylaxis in cats is actually a life-threatening feline illness. Give this article a read and get to learn more about this.
Anaphylaxis in Cats: What is this feline condition?
As what I have said earlier, Anaphylaxis is the terminology that is used by vets to describe a tremendously austere allergic reaction. The Anaphylaxis state is due to an IgE antibodies, which bind to the antigen, thus causing the release of the cytotoxic granules from mast cells and basophils. The histamine and serotonin are then released, thus causing some clinical symptoms of respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal distress in a short while.
Moreover, Anaphylaxis in cats is a deadly, abrupt allergic reaction to whatever consumed or injected. This austere kind of allergic reaction may actually be due to medications, foods, vaccines, as well as insect stings or bites. In case the cat is suffering from this condition, it may develop signs of facial swelling, difficulty in breathing, rapid heart rate, vomiting, weak pulse, and / or diarrhea.
Furthermore, the clinical indications of Anaphylaxis in cats may appear in a matter of minutes, after the allergen gets to enter in the body. This may lead to the worse symptoms of comatose, seizure, shock, pale mucus membrane, cold extremities, even death. There is no way for you to know that one cat may experience this condition when they are exposed to a harmless agent, yet cats, which have some other allergies are at higher risk. The condition is always a tremendous emergency situation, which may result in a rapid death, thus seeking vet care is necessary.
Causes of Cat Anaphylaxis
Almost any environmental or consumed substance may cause Anaphylaxis in cats. The causes of the condition might include food, drugs, and insect stings. In case the cat comes in contact with an austere allergen, the body may commonly react austerely. The reaction might be localized, or there might be a systemic reaction. Further, a serious trauma may also cause the same kind of response.
Moreover, the feline condition may be due to an extreme overreaction of the immune system of the cat’s body to a particular allergen. At some extent on the cat’s life, it may have come in contact with the allergen element and it’s at this point that the immunity has perceived this harmless substance as a menace. The immunity made IgE, or some kind of antibodies, in order to bind into the antigen, as well destroy them when they enter the body of the cat one more. The next time that the cat is vaccinated, consumes a particular food product, or got stung, the antibodies may trigger the mast cell receptors and basophil. Moreover, the immunity cells may respond by way of releasing the cytotoxic granules, which contain histamine and serotonin, thus creating a response we see as an allergic response.
Symptoms of Cat Anaphylaxis
The symptoms of Anaphylaxis in cats may happen in just a matter of minutes or take as long as one hour to appear in the cats. The lungs of the cat are the initial organ to get affected in most of the cases of the condition. Hence causing some obstruction in the airways, as well as the difficulty in breathing. This particular upper respiratory effect commonly comes with hypotensive shock, hypoxemia, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and defecation.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of Anaphylaxis in cats that you need to remember:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Swelling
- Itchiness
- Facial swelling
- Hives
- Pale gums
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Wheezing
- Trembling
- Cold extremities
- Reduced body temperature
- Collapse
Diagnosis of Cat Anaphylaxis
The reaction of the cat to a specific allergen may take place so suddenly, and there are no current tests in determining whether a cat may be vulnerable to a particular stimulus. Nonetheless, the skin allergen tests may be done for a lot of the most common kind of allergens, when they are thought to be the causal problem. An austere reaction is being considered a medical crisis and frequently needs a hospitalization.
Treatment for Cat Anaphylaxis
It is so important to get rid of the agent that causes the reaction as soon as it’s been identified. Sometimes, a vaccine may be beneficial, yet in austere cases, a life support may be essential, as well as opening an airway so that the cat can breathe right. Additionally, the fluids are often being administered to the reduction or prevention of shock, as well as to hydrate the body. The drugs, just like epinephrine are regularly given in case the shock is austere. Further, the antihistamine may be prescribed to help with the on-going regulation of the allergy. The cat may need close monitoring in a clinic for about 24-48 hours after the treatment has started.
If you are to ask about the preventive measures for it –there are actually no known ways in preventing the initial reaction, yet once the allergen is already identified, it may be controllable.
