Bulldog Allergic Reactions

hnhammond

New member
Aug 20, 2012
470
33
Los Angeles, CA
Country
USA
Bulldog(s) Names
Matilda (Tilly)
So, you all saw my very dramatic post about Matilda's absolutely horrific allergic reaction this weekend.

I finally got her in to see her regular vet and learned some very important info about this that I wanted to share!

She sees Dr. Kraemer, the EB specialist (grand pet care/) and he is just amazing.

The vet we saw at the emergency clinic was very young and no where near as experienced with bullies as he is (duh) so he clarified everything for me.

1) It was most definitely an insect sting or bite that caused her face to swell up like that. This is a very common reaction in dogs, but ESPECIALLY bullies. They have more skin to swell (hahaha). She also could have just stepped on it and gotten that reaction.
2) There is no allergy test for insects/stings/bites. It could happen to any dog and its safe to assume that any dog is allergic.
3) Her throat did not swell up, so although her reaction looked awful, he highly doubts it was life threatening. HUGE HUGE HUGE relief for me! He said if it happens again, I can give her Benadryl or the Temaril that I saved and take her to the vet, but it is not a really dangerous situation (although its scary to watch). He also said that if it was her throat swelling, it would have been immediate and obvious. Matilda won't die if she has another reaction like this, just be uncomfortable until we take action. YAY.
4) He doesn't know why the other vet told me her heart rate was dropping. He said that unless it was VERY low, it is totally insignificant to the reaction. ANOTHER huge relief that Matilda's heart rate dropping a bit wasn't life threatening either. (makes me wish they never told me that - I was CONVINCED she was dying)

So, there you have it. I overreacted a bit but her face was just so swollen! I had to share with all of you so that you don't panic if this happens to your baby! The biggest thing is to check the throat for swelling and pop them a Benadryl on the way to the vet!

Watch out for bugs and spiders and bees with your babies!

I am just so relieved, I kept worrying that a bee would sneak into the house while I was gone and Matilda would swell up and die and I wouldn't get there in time. I may be a bit morbid. hahaha but now I know that will not happen!
 
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JAKEISGREAT

.................
Mar 25, 2011
14,802
1,155
Southern California
Bulldog(s) Names
Jake
Don't be hard on yourself! I had prior experience with a Dobie that ate everything, including Bees..so I knew it was just a matter of time with Jake. And he didnt disappoint. Three times! I gave him Benadryl immediately and there was still some swelling..but nothing like your poor Matilda! Now you know and thanks for sharing your info and our experience..this is how we help each other! :)
 

Davidh

Head Pooper Scooper
Staff member
Mar 21, 2011
13,407
848
Katy, Texas
Country
USA
Bulldog(s) Names
BeBe, Hazel, Lucy Lu, JLO, Hillary, Henri, & Katie
Glad everything is OK with her. Bee stings can be very bad and scary.
 

Tracy T

New member
Community Veteran
Dec 8, 2012
702
27
San Antonio, TX
Bulldog(s) Names
Sir Winston, the Earl of Biscuit
Thank you for sharing this information. I am glad that Matilda's proper vet could give it to you and ease your poor heart! You're not guilty of a thing, unless it's loving your baby too much. Is that even possible?

Glad to know it wasn't anything serious.
 

Dee J

New member
Oct 16, 2012
307
13
Denton, Texas, United States
Bulldog(s) Names
Brutus Mayhem AKA B-Ham AKA Brutty Boy
Thank you for the helpful info :) You are such a good mommy to Matilda, I'm sure she is the happiest little girl to have you
 

BruceP

..........
Aug 12, 2010
0
505
Milwaukee, WI
Bulldog(s) Names
HRH Princess Gracie, aka: HRH; Princess Amelia Pond, aka: Amy
Is the Benedryl dose the same as for other allergies when they react to a sting? 1mg per pound, twice a day?
 
OP
hnhammond

hnhammond

New member
Aug 20, 2012
470
33
Los Angeles, CA
Country
USA
Bulldog(s) Names
Matilda (Tilly)
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Is the Benedryl dose the same as for other allergies when they react to a sting? 1mg per pound, twice a day?

YES, although I will taking her to the vet regardless if it happens again since it is just so severe... I'd give her the Benadryl on the way to the vet, but if you can control it with just the Benadryl, it should be fine! :)
 

JeannieCO

Queenie
Mar 11, 2011
12,680
873
Tip of the Mitt, Michigan
Country
USA
Bulldog(s) Names
Emma, Charlie, Milo, Peekaboo and Jack
So glad it all turned out alright. That's the big difference between an experienced vet and a non-experienced one. I've have a few non-experienced ones over the years and I'm glad I listened to my instinct instead of what they said should be done.
 

JeannieCO

Queenie
Mar 11, 2011
12,680
873
Tip of the Mitt, Michigan
Country
USA
Bulldog(s) Names
Emma, Charlie, Milo, Peekaboo and Jack
Forgot to say one day Wilson will get stung by a wasp. He has a knack for finding them under the deck and if they're flying or a bee he gets zoned in and wants to eat them. :eek:
 

ChanelnBrutus

Snookie ain't got nuttin on me!
Feb 6, 2012
4,928
181
New Jersey
Bulldog(s) Names
Brutus (EBD 6/4/11), Chanel (Pitbull 12/23/06)
Our Pitbull Chanel has eaten bees also! She had 2 horrible reactions :( Off to the ER and a shot within a couple hours she was normal :) I thank god Brutus hasn't decided to try it! Glad things went well! Hugs


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