Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

14 •DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
Anaphylactic shock causes signs and symptoms different from those previously
described for shock. Initially there may be local signs at the point of
contact, including pain, itching, swelling, and redness of the skin. With acute
anaphylaxis, the allergic response becomes generalized, either immediately or
over the course of several hours. Signs are agitation, diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty
breathing, stridor (harsh breathing sounds) from a swollen voice box,
weakness, and circulatory collapse. In untreated cases, coma and death follow.
Treatment: Emergency treatment of anaphylactic shock involves administering
intravenous or subcutaneous adrenaline, oxygen, antihistamines, IV
fluids, and hydrocortisone—drugs not available in the home. This is why it is
best to have your veterinarian give vaccines—he or she has the drugs and
equipment to treat allergic reactions in time.
A dog who has had an allergic reaction to a drug in the past should not be
given that drug again.
Acute Painful Abdomen
An acute painful abdomen is an emergency that may lead to death of the dog
unless treatment is started at once. The signs of an acute abdomen are the
sudden onset of pain, along with whining and crying, retching and vomiting,
extreme restlessness and inability to find a comfortable position, grunting,
and labored breathing. The abdomen is extremely painful when pressed.
Characteristically, the dog may assume a prayer position with his chest to
the floor and his rump in the air. As the condition worsens, the dog’s pulse
becomes weak and thready, the mucous membranes become pale, and the dog
goes into shock.
If you see any of these signs, call your veterinarian at once! Early surgical
intervention is life-saving.
One of the following conditions may be the cause of acute abdomen:
• Bloat
• Urinary stones obstructing the bladder
• Trauma to the abdomen with internal injury
• Rupture of the bladder
• Poisoning
• Rupture of the pregnant uterus
• Peritonitis
• Acute pancreatitis
• Intestinal obstruction
• Twisting of the intestines