Severe bee sting allergy - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Perrella · 07-09-2011, 03:51 PM

Oh my, I can't imagine how terrified you must have been. Thank the good Lord you reacted so quickly and Ivan is now doing better. Such a good mommy! Hugs))) to you & Ivan.

mama2yorkies · 07-09-2011, 06:14 PM

Thank you all so much for your concern and well wishes. It's so nice to have such a wonderful group to turn to for advice and hand-holding.

Ivan has been pretty sleepy all day. Not his usual energetic self at all. He started having some diarrhea this afternoon too, which can be common for him if his system is stressed in anyway. We called the vet at the emergency hospital back and she said that the benedryl could still be causing some sleepiness and that diarrhea would not be out of the ordinary with all he has been through. She said to bring him in if he gets worse or if he is not showing improvement by tomorrow.

We just took them for their evening walk and fed them dinner and he is finally starting to perk up. He did OK on the walk. He started out pretty perky but I carried him at the very end because he seemed so tired. He has a good appetite. I gave him one of his favorite toys and he is even playing with it a little now. He's still not 100% himself but he seems to be well on the mend.

Thank you again for your support. We are still hoping to find some info on an epi pen with a good dosage for small dogs. I will post if we find anything.

111lily222 · 07-09-2011, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mama2yorkies

My poor Ivan got stung by a bee for the first time this evening. He had a very severe allergic reaction. We took him right to the emergency vet before he was showing any symptoms just in case and I'm so glad that we did. He practically collapsed at the vet hospital as we arrived. His gums were almost white and his breathing was labored as they took him to treat him. He's going to be fine. He responded well to a combination of Benadryl, steriods, and hydration. They are keeping him over night to monitor his condition closely. His blood pressure was very low at first but he was much better and acting more like himself by the time we got to see him. It broke my heart to leave him at the hospital. This night has been terrifying.

Wow. I am so glad he is ok, and you acted so quickly. It is very scary. Last summer when Louie was 5 months he ate a bee. started to vomited right away was running through the house went to the vets right away they said he was severly allergic. Gave him 3 steriod shots, also benadryl. He was ok but very sleepy when he got home. I was wondering the same thing, do they have epi pens for dogs?

mama2yorkies · 07-10-2011, 10:34 AM

Ivan is acting much more like himself today. He still has the diarrhea but we are hoping that will clear up soon.

We have been able to find a little more info on the internet about epi pens for dogs. Basically, for small dogs, they don't exist that we could find. It sounds like the thickness of a dog's skin is different enough from human skin that the epi pens would not be as effective. Also, for small breeds, it would be too easy to overdose. We did find info that some vets will prescribe a small amount (appropriate to the dog's weight) of epinephrine in a glass vial to administer with a needle in case of emergency. We are going to discuss this with our regular vet as soon as we can. Please remember that this is just what we were able to find on the internet so I don't know how valid this information is. We are still tryng to learn more.

mama2yorkies · 08-06-2011, 05:42 PM

So we had a consultation with our regular vet about the possibility of getting an epi pen for Ivan or some other treatment to keep on hand in case of another bee sting. He consulted with his colleagues and ended up recommending an epi pen junior for Ivan. Oral benadryl is not likely to be fast acting enough to help him if his heart and respiration are shutting down so quickly like they did this last time. We discussed using a pre-dosed syringe but he felt that it would be too hard to keep ready to use. The correct dose for Ivan, at 9 lbs, is much less than what is in the Jr. epi pen, but he felt that, in a life threatening emergency, a dose that is too large would be better than not having it. Either way, we will always need to know where a close vet is that we can rush to if he is stung again. We plan to fill the prescription for the epi pen and then go back to the vet for some instruction on how to administer it. I hope we never need it!

susan lynn · 08-06-2011, 06:01 PM

So glad to hear he is feeling better. I can't imagine how scared you were. I thought my Calvin got stung yeterday and gave Benadryl but found out today he sprained his foot. I was laying in bed worrying about this and trying to think if I remembered how to do Doggie CPR in an emergency. I read it on YT. Glad to know your vet gave you a medicine to keep at all times. This is why I don't mind if my babies use the potty pads. There are just so many dangers for them outside.

Britster · 08-06-2011, 07:09 PM

How scary! Poor Ivan. My dads dog Lilly also had a severe reaction once to a sting and it's sooo scary and difficult to experience.

Wishing Ivan a speedy recovery.

BabyGirl Rosie · 08-06-2011, 07:24 PM

Oh my! I am just now seeing this thread. How very scary for you. I am so glad you thought quickly and got him into a vet. I think it is great the vet is giving you something to keep on hand in case it happens again.

mama2yorkies · 08-06-2011, 08:49 PM

Thanks, all. He's doing great now. The hair on his legs is still growing back from where they shaved him, but otherwise, you'd never even know he was sick. We got really lucky.

gumbysuz · 08-07-2011, 06:57 PM

My rescue yorkie, Snookie, stepped on a ground hornet and was stung on the food. He went limp and lost control of his bowels. His life was saved by rushing him to the vet and, after that scare, we carried an epi pen everywhere. I asked the vet if the extreme reaction was because of Snookie's small size. The vet assured me a life-threatening allergic reaction had nothing to do with size.So, I wouldn't worry about a potential epi-pen overdose.
Glad your boy is recovering! Scary stuff!
BTW, Snookie passed in old age; we never had to use the pen.

mama2yorkies · 08-09-2011, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gumbysuz

My rescue yorkie, Snookie, stepped on a ground hornet and was stung on the food. He went limp and lost control of his bowels. His life was saved by rushing him to the vet and, after that scare, we carried an epi pen everywhere. I asked the vet if the extreme reaction was because of Snookie's small size. The vet assured me a life-threatening allergic reaction had nothing to do with size.So, I wouldn't worry about a potential epi-pen overdose.
Glad your boy is recovering! Scary stuff!
BTW, Snookie passed in old age; we never had to use the pen.

Thank you for your post. I'm sorry for the loss of your dear Snookie. I find great comfort in knowing he lived a long life and never had need for the epi pen.

mama2yorkies · 08-18-2011, 08:35 AM

Just a quick update for those wondering about epi pens. We meet with a new vet yesterday (we just moved so needed a new vet). He seemed to have much more experience dealing with anaphylaxis. He gave us several pre-dosed syringes of epinephrine in a correct dose for Ivan's size and had the tech demonstrate how to administer it. We will keep them in the refrigerator and pack in an ice pack when we are away from home so it's always handy. It will need to be replaced every 6-9 months. There is a chance that the syringe will get depressed by mistake or go bad from light exposure and not be usable when we need it but we have several as a back up. We feel much better overall with this solution. Still hoping we will never need it.

Maximo · 08-18-2011, 09:13 AM

I'm glad you found a good vet and you have exactly what you need for your emergency kit for Ivan.

harleychick · 08-18-2011, 11:49 AM

I too worry about Miki getting stung by bees or wasps, as we have quite a few of them around our house. I found a thread on YT about Benedryl for your dog. This is what it said:

"In a healthy pup just on heartworm and flea meds, plain Benadryl is absolutely fine to give for stings and allergies. It is 1 mg per lb. It just has to be diphenhydramine only."

I guess there are more than one type of Benedryl out there, so I took this information to a pharmacist at Walmart & she picked out the right liquid Benadryl for me and then figured out how much Miki would need. Miki is 3.6 lbs so she would need 1.4 ml. I always carry a travel bag with all of Miki's "stuff" & emergency kit type stuff, but it's to big to carry on the motorcycle. I never thought about it until reading these posts, but I am going to pick up another bottle of Benadryl and carry it in the bike with me, because Miki rides with me a lot of the time I'm on the bike. Hopefully, it would give me a little extra time to get her to a vet if she were to get stung.

Thanks for all the good information everyone! Once again I have to say I LOVE YORKIE TALK & all of the knowlageble members!!!!

07-09-2011, 03:51 PM	#16
Perrella Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: VA Posts: 8,040	Oh my, I can't imagine how terrified you must have been. Thank the good Lord you reacted so quickly and Ivan is now doing better. Such a good mommy! Hugs))) to you & Ivan. __________________ Tena & Zhoie Sweet Little Miracle

07-10-2011, 10:34 AM	#19
mama2yorkies YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 288	Ivan update Ivan is acting much more like himself today. He still has the diarrhea but we are hoping that will clear up soon. We have been able to find a little more info on the internet about epi pens for dogs. Basically, for small dogs, they don't exist that we could find. It sounds like the thickness of a dog's skin is different enough from human skin that the epi pens would not be as effective. Also, for small breeds, it would be too easy to overdose. We did find info that some vets will prescribe a small amount (appropriate to the dog's weight) of epinephrine in a glass vial to administer with a needle in case of emergency. We are going to discuss this with our regular vet as soon as we can. Please remember that this is just what we were able to find on the internet so I don't know how valid this information is. We are still tryng to learn more.

08-06-2011, 05:42 PM	#20
mama2yorkies YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 288	Epi pen update So we had a consultation with our regular vet about the possibility of getting an epi pen for Ivan or some other treatment to keep on hand in case of another bee sting. He consulted with his colleagues and ended up recommending an epi pen junior for Ivan. Oral benadryl is not likely to be fast acting enough to help him if his heart and respiration are shutting down so quickly like they did this last time. We discussed using a pre-dosed syringe but he felt that it would be too hard to keep ready to use. The correct dose for Ivan, at 9 lbs, is much less than what is in the Jr. epi pen, but he felt that, in a life threatening emergency, a dose that is too large would be better than not having it. Either way, we will always need to know where a close vet is that we can rush to if he is stung again. We plan to fill the prescription for the epi pen and then go back to the vet for some instruction on how to administer it. I hope we never need it!

08-06-2011, 06:01 PM	#21
susan lynn Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Georgia Posts: 3,262	So glad to hear he is feeling better. I can't imagine how scared you were. I thought my Calvin got stung yeterday and gave Benadryl but found out today he sprained his foot. I was laying in bed worrying about this and trying to think if I remembered how to do Doggie CPR in an emergency. I read it on YT. Glad to know your vet gave you a medicine to keep at all times. This is why I don't mind if my babies use the potty pads. There are just so many dangers for them outside. __________________ SUSAN : TESSIE : HOBBES :CALVIN :SASSY There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face! ~ Ben Williams

08-06-2011, 07:09 PM	#22
Britster Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 17,814	How scary! Poor Ivan. My dads dog Lilly also had a severe reaction once to a sting and it's sooo scary and difficult to experience. Wishing Ivan a speedy recovery. __________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier

07-09-2011, 06:14 PM	#17
mama2yorkies YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 288	Thank you all so much for your concern and well wishes. It's so nice to have such a wonderful group to turn to for advice and hand-holding. Ivan has been pretty sleepy all day. Not his usual energetic self at all. He started having some diarrhea this afternoon too, which can be common for him if his system is stressed in anyway. We called the vet at the emergency hospital back and she said that the benedryl could still be causing some sleepiness and that diarrhea would not be out of the ordinary with all he has been through. She said to bring him in if he gets worse or if he is not showing improvement by tomorrow. We just took them for their evening walk and fed them dinner and he is finally starting to perk up. He did OK on the walk. He started out pretty perky but I carried him at the very end because he seemed so tired. He has a good appetite. I gave him one of his favorite toys and he is even playing with it a little now. He's still not 100% himself but he seems to be well on the mend. Thank you again for your support. We are still hoping to find some info on an epi pen with a good dosage for small dogs. I will post if we find anything.

08-06-2011, 07:24 PM	#23
BabyGirl Rosie I ♥ my girls! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: With My Yorkies Posts: 18,980	Oh my! I am just now seeing this thread. How very scary for you. I am so glad you thought quickly and got him into a vet. I think it is great the vet is giving you something to keep on hand in case it happens again. __________________ Momma to three sweet Yorkie girls Rosie Marie, Mikki Leigh , and Lily Mae Grace!

08-06-2011, 08:49 PM	#24
mama2yorkies YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 288	Thanks, all. He's doing great now. The hair on his legs is still growing back from where they shaved him, but otherwise, you'd never even know he was sick. We got really lucky.

08-07-2011, 06:57 PM	#25
gumbysuz Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: WA state Posts: 250	My rescue yorkie, Snookie, stepped on a ground hornet and was stung on the food. He went limp and lost control of his bowels. His life was saved by rushing him to the vet and, after that scare, we carried an epi pen everywhere. I asked the vet if the extreme reaction was because of Snookie's small size. The vet assured me a life-threatening allergic reaction had nothing to do with size.So, I wouldn't worry about a potential epi-pen overdose. Glad your boy is recovering! Scary stuff! BTW, Snookie passed in old age; we never had to use the pen. __________________ Suzi & Dori Vicki, Meggie, Snookie, Peach

08-18-2011, 08:35 AM	#27
mama2yorkies YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 288	Just a quick update for those wondering about epi pens. We meet with a new vet yesterday (we just moved so needed a new vet). He seemed to have much more experience dealing with anaphylaxis. He gave us several pre-dosed syringes of epinephrine in a correct dose for Ivan's size and had the tech demonstrate how to administer it. We will keep them in the refrigerator and pack in an ice pack when we are away from home so it's always handy. It will need to be replaced every 6-9 months. There is a chance that the syringe will get depressed by mistake or go bad from light exposure and not be usable when we need it but we have several as a back up. We feel much better overall with this solution. Still hoping we will never need it.

08-18-2011, 09:13 AM	#28
Maximo ♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 25,044	I'm glad you found a good vet and you have exactly what you need for your emergency kit for Ivan. __________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy

08-18-2011, 11:49 AM	#29
harleychick Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Kingsford, MI USA Posts: 63	I too worry about Miki getting stung by bees or wasps, as we have quite a few of them around our house. I found a thread on YT about Benedryl for your dog. This is what it said: "In a healthy pup just on heartworm and flea meds, plain Benadryl is absolutely fine to give for stings and allergies. It is 1 mg per lb. It just has to be diphenhydramine only." I guess there are more than one type of Benedryl out there, so I took this information to a pharmacist at Walmart & she picked out the right liquid Benadryl for me and then figured out how much Miki would need. Miki is 3.6 lbs so she would need 1.4 ml. I always carry a travel bag with all of Miki's "stuff" & emergency kit type stuff, but it's to big to carry on the motorcycle. I never thought about it until reading these posts, but I am going to pick up another bottle of Benadryl and carry it in the bike with me, because Miki rides with me a lot of the time I'm on the bike. Hopefully, it would give me a little extra time to get her to a vet if she were to get stung. Thanks for all the good information everyone! Once again I have to say I LOVE YORKIE TALK & all of the knowlageble members!!!!