Harley went into anaphylaxis

[HarleyDude]

Hi everyone, I know I haven't been here lately but I do stop by on occasion.

Just wanted to let everyone know that Wednesday evening Harley went into anaphylaxis. We rushed him to the emergency clinic (which luckily for us is in the same town we live). After doing xrays to see if he possibly had an obstruction and doing blood work - they came to the conclusion that he was having an allergic reaction.

We don't have an exact diagnosis of what he was allergic to but it was probably a spider or wasp.

It was so scary! He is now back to his little devil self!

[Chip's Mom]

That is so scary and corgis will eat just about anything. Glad to hear he is doing better.

[MyPemCharlie]

Happy to hear that Harley is all right! That is scary as Charlie is quite the "bug chomper". He often finds stuff in the grass and gets intrigued with something in the yard, then shakes his head to make me think that "whatever it was" stung him. I guess there's not much you can do but watch for any adverse reaction. Glad to hear that Harley pulled through it.

[Michael Romanos]

How terrible for Harley and you. I would imagine it was a poisonous spider.
There is nothing much here in New Zealand to create such a serious problem. We have one spider that can inflict a poisonous bite but they (Katipo) are few and found in restrictive areas and are very shy and are not an aggrressive or attacking animal unless provoked and cornered. We have wasps but I have not heard of any real serious consequences for dogs from wasp stings here. Our wasps are not the real aggressive kind found in some other countries.

[glencorgi]

I keep Benedryl on hand just in case there is an incident with a bee. Our oldest Pembroke girl used to like to try to "snack" on them.

Debbie

[Louwants]

I do the same. Especially after Duncan was bitten by a spider, I think, when he was little. I use to work night shift, and the day before my shift would start, I would stay up all night and do laundry, any cleaning and such.

Well, one morning, I was taking a break and Duncan was laying on the floor quiet (very unususal, but it was late), when I noticed his face was swelling up in two spots. I looked close at him and it looked like two puncture marks at each of the bite sites. I was so scared!!! I gave him half of an adult Benedryl, since that was all I had. The bites were on his upper lip area, and I was afraid the swelling would cut off his breathing. My vet opened at 07:30 in the morning and I was on the phone dialing nonstop until someone answered. So, now I keep some Benedryl Children's Meltaways on hand. (So much easier to give than pills)

[Michael Romanos]

Benedryl - thanks for the tip.

[Bailey's driver]

How does one approximate the correct dose of Benadryl for a Corgi?
Last year Bailey was possibly bit by spiders multiple times and the vet did give him some Benadryl. He looked pretty bad. We are lucky, the vet is very close. And the vets do what doctors do, there is always one on call 24 hours. They rotate.

I never though to ask about the dose. I think I should get some for the house too.

[MyPemCharlie]

The following excerpt is from the Lowchensaustralia website (click for complete article): Benadryl for Dogs - Chinaroad Lowchens of Australia -


One way to treat bee stings is to give the dog Benadryl (diphenhydramine) by mouth.

Typical dosages: for cats and dogs under 30 pounds, give 10 mg ... dogs 30 to 50 pounds, give 25 mg ... dogs over 50 pounds, give 50 mg. Use only the plain Benadryl formula.

"Any medications need to be discussed with and prescribed by a Veterinarian prior to giving them to your pet to avoid an inadvertent and tragic poisoning."

Benadryl is a very useful emergency drug -- both for humans and for pets. If possible, speak to your vet about possible emergency insect bite/bug sting scenarios with your vet before they happen -- in case your vet cannot be immediately reached. Minutes count!

Benadryl, while a fairly safe drug, DOES have potential adverse effects and is not for every pet. Benadryl is to be used with extreme caution in patients with glaucoma, prostatic disease, cardiovascular disease, and hyperthyroid, among other conditions. It may also interact with drugs that your pet is taking, so be sure to discuss use of ANY drugs for your pet with your vet first. (Sidenote: some human over-the-counter drugs are toxic or fatal to pets; always discuss with your vet before "self-medicating" for any condition.

[Louwants]

I usually give Duncan just one of the Children's Meltaways if he needs Benedryl and space them about 8 hours apart if he needs another one. Or, break them in half and give one every 4 hours.

I tried to put an ice pack on his nose and mouth area when I saw the bites, but he would have nothing to do with that.

[LaRogue]

How does one approximate the correct dose of Benadryl for a Corgi?

You cold ask your vet. Pip had a bad allergic reaction to a bug bite, requiring a trip to the emergency vet. They gave him a steriod shot (all told the most expensive shot I've ever paid for in my life!) and told me to give him Benadryl. They included the dosage and frequency with the instructions the sent home. M regular vet said to keep the instructions handy and give the Benadryl according to them, if Pip decides to repeat with the bugs.

[Michael Romanos]

Funny enough, last night I saw a movie on TV where the main actor (Will Smith) went to the store and brought containers of benedryl to get rid of a facial rash and swelling from eating shellfish which he was allergic to. He immediately swallowed down a whole heapful of benedryl tablets - but this was a comedy. Anyway it worked.

[HarleyDude]

When our vet called to see how Harley was doing, I asked about keeping Benedryl on hand at home. She said I could use Childrens Benedryl 25 mg. if he ever needed it again.

[theimagunter]

Marilynn
Wow, that is a scare. My Harley (female Corgi) gets into a lot of things outside as do the Mini Doxie's and the small children that that visit us now and then so I always have Childrens Liquid Benadryl in the house. Like Chris said, all medications can have adverse effects but in some emergency situations there isn't much time. Benadryl, if nothing else can buy you some time to get to an Emergency Vet / Room. Marilynn, did the vet give you some sort of Epi pen for the furture?
Thelma

[HarleyDude]

Originally Posted by theimagunter

Marilynn, did the vet give you some sort of Epi pen for the furture?
Thelma

No, she did not - she only mentioned the Benydrl