Anaphylactic Shock in Horses
  by Robert N. Oglesby DVM

Anaphylactic shock is where the immune system goes haywire when exposed to an antigen. An antigen is ANY substance that stimulates the immune system, in general foreign substances. Notice the emphasis on the word any this could be injected or consumed substances, insect stings, etc. Past history of exposure to an antigen safely does not rule out anaphalaxisis, in fact it makes it more likely. Before a reaction can occur, the immune system must first be sensitized.

Onset of the reaction is generally several minutes up to hours after exposure to the allergic substance. The haywire immune system starts releasing chemicals into the blood stream. These chemicals have wide-ranging effects on the blood vessels. The most serious effects are those that cause the blood pressure to drop rapidly and impair the horse's ability to breathe. This article discusses symptoms, treatment, and what to do with a horse that has been a pass reactor.

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