Introduction

Anaphylactic shock in cats is a true medical emergency that must be treated immediately to prevent death. Affected cats exhibit excitement or restlessness, vomiting, severe itchiness around the head and neck, difficulty breathing and walking, changes in mental clarity, seizures, coma and collapse. This condition cannot be treated by owners at home – intensive veterinary attention and hospitalization are absolutely necessary. At the hospital, cats will undergo a number of emergency treatments in an attempt to reverse the reaction, treat the signs of shock and stabilize the patient.

Treating Anaphylactic Shock in Cats

The critical goal for treating anaphylactic shock in cats is emergency respiratory, cardiovascular and life support. This is accomplished by removing the causative allergen if possible and taking steps to prevent further release of inflammatory mediators. It is critical that treatment for anaphylaxis begins before any diagnostic testing. Rapid and effective treatment is the main, and perhaps the only, determinant of survival.

The first step in treatment is to place an intravenous catheter and aggressively administer fluids at shock dosages to counteract the low blood pressure caused by severe circulatory failure. Intravenous administration of epinephrine is equally important to help increase heart rate and suppress the exaggerated immune system response by blocking further release of those compounds responsible for perpetuating the anaphylactic reaction (so-called inflammatory mediators). Other medications may be used by veterinarians to treat anaphylactic shock as well. The veterinary team will take steps to establish an open airway in cats with difficulty breathing or other signs of severe respiratory distress, which are common. Several methods are available, including placing a breathing tube through the mouth and down the cat’s throat (endotracheal intubation) or by making a surgical incision through the neck, directly into the trachea (tracheostomy). Oxygen therapy can be administered if necessary. Broad spectrum antibiotics are often given in an attempt to prevent the secondary bacterial infections which commonly accompany anaphylactic episodes.

Frequent in-hospital monitoring of the cat should be continued for at least 24 to 48 hours after the allergic reaction has resolved. This includes monitoring of heart and respiratory rate, respiratory effort, pulse rate and quality, blood pressure, mucous membrane color, mental clarity and body temperature. Blood samples may be taken to assess liver function and the functional condition of other organs. The large volume of fluids given to combat shock can cause water retention; in many cases, a recovering cat will not be released from the clinic until he or she can urinate normally and the other effects of fluid retention have resolved.