According to Wikipedia, anaphylaxis is "an acute systemic (multi-system) and very severe Type I Hypersensitivity allergic reaction in humans and other mammals. The term comes from the Greek words ανα ana (against) and φύλαξις phylaxis (protection).[1] Minute amounts of allergens may cause a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. Anaphylaxis may occur after ingestion, skin contact, injection of an allergen or, in some cases, inhalation."
I found out firsthand yesterday how scary anaphylaxis can be. After Reggie got her second round of vaccinations, she projectile vomited right in the crack of my Crossfire. Not on the seat, not on the floor, but right in the crack between the gear shift and my seat to where I had to go get a spoon and try to spoon out the vomit chunks. It was not fun and she didn't seem to be that sick. However, then she peed several times in her crate after being outside, which I thought was peculiar because she's been doing so well with potty training.
So I was officially annoyed and then I noticed her breathing pretty heavily. I looked down and her nose and lips were swollen up big time. Then I Googled, got in touch with the emergency vet and they told me to bring her in immediately because she could die from anaphylactic shock. Yikes...three hours later, several injections later and several hundred dollars later she is on the road to recovery. Poor pooch! Please note for future dog owners - be very careful when your puppy gets its vaccinations. Little Reggie's reaction didn't set in full force until about three hours after her shots.
