Allergic Diseases
1. ANAPHYLAXIS
THIS IS A hypersensitive state which can be brought on by contact with some specific antigen or by the dog receiving anti-
bodies from another animal, e.g. by serum injection. Also certain tissues may contain substances which are conducive to
an anaphylactic attack.
CLINICAL SIGNS. It may be seen as a local or widespread inflammatory process ranging from arteriole contraction with
circulatory weakness to the onset of severe pathological states. Actual anaphylactic shock in the dog is frequently at-
tended by vomiting, diarrhoea and severe prostration, and arises very quickly as a rule, after exposure to the antigen
concerned, usually hyper-immune serum. Other signs include difficult respiration, loss of balance and paleness of visible
mucous membranes
TREATMENT. If it is possible to supply aid in time, the following remedies may help:
1. ACONITUM 6c. This remedy should be given immediately as it will help combat shock, especially in cases which show
suddenness of onset.
2. CAMPHORA 30c. A very useful remedy for collapsed states showing diarrhoea and extreme coldness of body surfaces.
Stools are watery and dark and attacks of diarrhoea arise suddenly.
3. CARBO VEG. 200c. When signs of air hunger or dyspnoea appear this remedy will benefit. It has a sound reputation for
giving strength and warmth to apparently moribund cases.
4. VERATRUM ALB. 30c. This remedy is also useful in cases of collapse with prostration and diarrhoea, but unlike the CAM-
PHOR picture, symptoms are less severe. Stools tend to be greenish.
2. ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITIS
This is the term used for those cases of hypersensitivity often delayed when the dog shows a reaction to an agent
which contacts the skin, such agent being of a non-irritating nature. Exposure to the particular agent is usually prolonged
and the animal must have a predisposition to the condition.
CLINICAL SIGNS. Lesions usually are confined to the hairless parts such as the inner legs, scrotum or inguinal area and
the interdigital spaces. Erythematous swellings at first develop which later become papular. Severe cases will include most
parts of the body as well.
TREATMENT. The following remedies should prove useful:
ANTIMONIUM CRUD. 6c. Useful for the papular stage of the lesion and will help prevent development to vesicles.
2. RHUS TOX. 6c. For the early erythematous stage before papules develop. Itching may be severe.
3. CORTISONE 30c. This substance in potentised form has proved very useful in controlling the inflammatory process
without producing any side-effects.
4. THALLIUM ACETAS 30c. A most useful remedy encouraging hair growth and for stimulating the skin functions in
general
5. SPECIFIC NOSODE MADE FROM THE AGENT RESPONSIBLE. This should be used in the 30c. potency and may be com-
bined with other indicated remedies.
3. CAR SICKNESS
Under this heading we can consider any motion which brings about symptoms of discomfort to the animal on experienc-
ing travel, and includes air and sea-sickness as well as the much commoner car sickness.
CLINICAL SIGNS. Signs of distress soon become apparent after transportation begins, and include panting, salivation and
vomiting. Sometimes bowel evacuation takes place also. Signs of inappetance and distress may continue for some little
time after the journey has finished, and are probably accompanied by nausea as in the human subject.
TREATMENT. Animals should not be subjected to car or air journeys immediately after a meal. It is a good plan to keep
the animal on the floor of the vehicle where it cannot see out of the window, as visual disturbances are thought to play a
part in the onset of symptoms. The main remedy to be considered is COCCULUS 6c or 30c. If a dose of this remedy is given
about 15 minutes before commencement of the journey it will greatly reduce the likelihood of vomiting. TABACUM 30c is
another useful remedy and more suitable perhaps for air or sea-sickness.