allergies

• an allergy is a condition where your immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance, called an allergen
• what are symptoms of a skin allergy?

  itchiness, skin lesions and hair loss
• what are symptoms of a respiratory allergy?

  sneezing, runny nose, coughing and difficulty breathing
• what are symptoms of digestive allergies?

  vomiting, diarrhoea and loss of appetite
• eye irritation, facial swelling and paw licking are also symptoms of allergies
• mild allergic reactions do not need veterinary care. it is important to remove the allergen immediately and monitor your animal closely
• anaphylaxis is a severe, life threatening allergic reaction that can occur rapidly
• how can an allergic reaction be treated?

  • epinephrine
  • oxygen therapy
  • intravenous fluids
  • antihistamines
  • corticosteroids
• corticosteroids can help to reduce swelling and suppress the immune response
• what is the function of epinephrine?

  it constricts blood vessels, opens airways and improves heart function
• what is the function of oxygen therapy?

  if an animal is struggling to breathe, it ensures adequate oxygen supply to the tissues
• intravenous fluids maintain blood pressure and circulation
• antihistamines help reduce allergic symptoms like itching and swelling
• the first step of an allergic reaction?

  when you first encounter an allergen, your immune system mistakenly identifies it as a threat
• second step of an allergic reaction developing?

  your immune system produces immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to that antigen
• third step of an allergic reaction developing?

  IgE antibodies attach to mast cells, which are immune cells found in your tissues
• fourth step of an allergic reaction developing?

  the next time you come into contact with the allergen, it binds to the antibodies on the mast cells
• final step of an allergic reaction developing?

  the allergen binding to the antibodies triggers the mast cells to release histamine and other inflammatory chemicals
• how can we prevent allergic reactions?

  • identify and avoid allergens
  • veterinary consultations
  • lifestyle modifications
  • consider immunotherapy