Anaphylactic Shock in Cats: An Overview

Dog Breeds

Anaphylactic shock is a type of deadly allergic reaction that can quickly result in death if it is not treated in time. This type of allergic reaction is most well known for causing anaphylactic reactions in people who are allergic to bee stings. However many mammals can suffer from anaphylactic shock, and cats are no exception.

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Definition of Anaphylactic shock

Anaphylactic shock is the serious and generalized state of shock brought about by an extremely exaggerated allergic reaction to a foreign protein or some other foreign substance, such as a drug, insect saliva or other toxin. In people, we most frequently think of anaphlylaxis as being caused by bee stings.

How Anaphylactic Shock Affects Cats

Anaphylactic shock begins within minutes of exposure to the causative allergen, and the symptoms progress rapidly. The release of immune-regulating compounds causes blood vessels to swell, which in turn causes the cat’s blood pressure to drop with corresponding damage to other tissues and organs. As a result of these reactions, anaphylactic cats will become excited or restless and will develop severe itchiness around the face and head, facial swelling, weakness, difficulty breathing, elevated heart rate, pale gums, vomiting, profuse salivation, difficulty walking, seizures and collapse.

Causes of Anaphylactic Shock in Cats

There are innumerable causes of anaphylactic shock in cats. Virtually any agent can cause anaphylaxis, depending upon whether the cat is allergic to it or not. Vaccines are commonly reported to cause allergic reactions. While most vaccination reactions are mild and only cause a slight fever or lethargy, some cats have abnormally strong and sudden reactions to vaccines. Other common allergens in cats are prescription medications, topical flea and tick treatments, saliva from insect stings, venomous bites, oral or topical antibiotic products, local or general anesthetics, drugs prepared from animal products (insulin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, enzymes), diagnostic agents (such as iodinated x-ray contrast media), mold, pollen and various ingredients in food.

Preventing Anaphylactic Shock

The only way to prevent an anaphylactic reaction is to identify and eliminate exposure to the inciting allergen.

Special Notes

Once a cat experiences anaphylactic shock from exposure to a particular allergen, that allergen usually will continue to cause severe allergic reactions upon re-exposure. It is extremely important to get immediate veterinary care for a cat having an anaphylactic reaction.

Symptoms and Types