Focus: Small
animals - dogs, cats, hamsters & rabbits
ALLERGIES IN A GOLDEN RETRIEVER
Dr Sing Kong Yuen, BVMS
(Glasgow), MRCVS
Updated:
20 July, 2009
A blood test showed that the
female dog had very low platelet
cell count and low red blood cell
count too. Blood urea was
elevated. The male dog was not
tested and so little was known
about him.
Could the Po Chai pills given 7
vials in 10 days cause this
abnormal blood count? The male dog
did not have so many vials as his
diarrhoea was not so bad. Both
dogs appeared well and active. The
female and male were separated so
that the female could recuperate.
Some time later, the female had
swollen and closed eyes during a
morning walk. What should I do?
It would be ideal to run another
blood test. But was it necessary? Economics play a great part in
private practice. So, I did not perform the blood test. I gave the
female Golden Retriever an emergency IV drip with dexamethasone IV.
Her eye swelling took around 2 hours to subside.
What if I did not give emergency anti-allergy treatment? It
was possible that she would start scratching her eyes. Her face
could be swollen. Her whole body could be itchy. She might collapse
from heart and respiratory failures. By then, it would
be too late and the owner may be saddened by the loss. Some doubts
from family members and friends would be cast on the veterinary
competence when a pet dies.
Therefore I did not take the risk to delay treatment. At the onset
of allergy, the dog definitely looked OK. Swollen and closed eyes
and a bit of panting. But who knows how the allergy would develop?
Therefore, it is best to give the emergency anti-allergy treatment
rather than get a dead dog later.
The female Golden Retriever had no more complaints for the last 3
days and I presume she was OK. The owner was told not to give
any new dog treats and dog food and vitamin supplementation. The
female dog was supposed to be on Science Prescription Diet K/D for a
month to reduce the workload for the kidney, but the owner was
supplementing with other nutrients and dog food!
NOTE:
It is best to seek prompt
veterinary attention when your dog cannot open his or her eyes as
something serious is going on inside the body. Much then
depends on the judgment of the veterinarian as regards the protocol
of treatment.
TOA
PAYOH VETS
