Anaphylaxis in dogs and cats.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Immunology
• Allergy

Background:

• Anaphylaxis is a systemic, type I hypersensitivity reaction with potentially fatal consequences.
• Clinical signs involve organs rich in mast cells, such as skin, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract.
• Histamine and inflammatory mediators released from mast cells cause increased vascular permeability and smooth muscle contraction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize current information on anaphylaxis in dogs and cats.
• Discuss the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
• Provide a comprehensive overview for veterinary professionals.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current scientific information.
• Discussion based on established veterinary knowledge and clinical experience.
• Focus on pattern recognition for clinical diagnosis.

Main Results:

• Anaphylaxis triggers include insect/reptile venom, drugs, vaccines, and food.
• Diagnosis is clinical, based on signs and symptoms, with differentials like asthma and mastocytosis.
• Epinephrine is the primary treatment, with supportive therapies including fluids and antihistamines.

Conclusions:

• Prognosis is variable and depends on clinical sign severity.
• Clinical signs differ between species and routes of exposure.
• Parenteral antigen administration is associated with the most severe reactions.