Anaphylaxis is more than just an everyday allergic reaction and being prepared to recognize and treat these pets in a timely manner is crucial. Anaphylaxis is the systemic, immediate hypersensitivity reaction that is mostly caused by the Immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated immunologic release of mediators from mast cells and basophils. The best way to differentiate an anaphylactic reaction from other simpler Type I hypersensitivity reactions is to characterize it as systemic hypersensitivity reaction involving at least 2 organ systems (dermatologic, respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal (GI)).
Anecdotally, it would seem we are seeing more severe, life-threatening anaphylactic reactions in the last 5 years, which may also be due to our improved recognition of the disease. These are often some of the most severely and acutely ill patients we see in practice, and without timely and accurate identification and intervention, mortality can be very high.
This article originally appeared on dvm360.com on March 12, 2024, as part of Thrive Pet Healthcare's Strategic Alliance with dvm360.
About Jayme Hoffberg, DVM, DACVECC, Board Certified Criticalist
Dr. Jayme Hoffberg is Head of Emergency and Critical Care at Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists in Hoffman Estates, a suburb of Chicago. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree and then her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with high honors from the University of Illinois. She went on to complete a three-year residency in emergency and critical care at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Michigan State University before becoming an assistant clinical professor at the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Hoffberg has spent the last 10 years developing emergency and critical care departments and house officer training programs at multiple large private specialty hospitals. She finds excitement watching the quality of medicine and job satisfaction improve across an entire team when training and education is prioritized. Clinically, Dr. Hoffberg’s main interests are in extracorporeal therapies, polytrauma, and hematologic and coagulopathic conditions.
Dr. Hoffberg is also a published author and co-author of the following veterinary journals and publications:
Hoffberg JE,Koenigshof AM. Early compared to delayed initiation of enteral nutrition in canine post-operative septic peritonitis. J Vet Emerg Crit Care 2014: S1: 7.
Hoffberg JE, Koenigshof AM, Guiot LP. Retrospective evaluation of concurrent intra-abdominal injuries in dogs with traumatic pelvic fractures: 83 cases (2008-2013). J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio). 2016;26(2):288-294.
Hoffberg JE, Koenigshof A. Evaluation of the Safety of Early Compared to Late Enteral Nutrition in Canine Septic Peritonitis. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2017;53(2):90-95. doi:10.5326/JAAHA-MS-6513
Vomiting and Regurgitation. Textbook of Small Animal Emergency Medicine. 1st Edition.
Methylxanthines: Caffeine and theobromine. Blackwell’s Five Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion: Small Animal Toxicology. 2nd Edition
Grapes and Raisins. Blackwell’s Five Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion: Small Animal Toxicology. 2nd Edition
