Kush's garden adventures

Kush Courtney is a 7 month old Bulldog puppy who a few days ago got the fright of her life! She went outside to play briefly, and, being an inquisitive puppy, was sniffing amongst all sorts of plants in the backyard, having a wonderful time. However, when she came back inside, Kush's owners said she vomited, her face started to swell, and she developed lots of bumps all over her body.

Kush's owners rang the clinic and reception staff urged her to bring Kush down straight away for assessment.

Upon presentation Kush was starting to have trouble breathing due to all the swelling around her face and neck and her gums were white instead of pink. Kush was taken into hospital and treated immediately with oxygen, anti-inflammatories, antihistamines and adrenalin, all of which helped to ease her breathing and decrease the dangerous inflammation. Kush responded well to treatment within 15 minutes, the inflammation decreased and her gums became nice and pink again.

Kush had what we call an anaphylactic reaction, better known as an allergic reaction. They are most commonly associated with a bee sting but can also occur following any insect bite or sometimes contact with toxic plants. They are a medical emergency due to the high degree of inflammation that occurs around the throat, restricting normal breathing. Thankfully we can treat them very effectively if caught early enough. And Kush was one such lucky puppy!

An 'anaphylactic reaction', better known as an allergic reaction: They are most commonly associated with a bee sting - but can also occur following any insect bite or sometimes contact with toxic plants.