Dog With Life Threatening Allergic Reaction is Rushed to AVCC

November 29, 2023

“I knew he was going into shock,” recalls Ed Ziao of his sweet Yorkie, Chewy. “I was running red lights and giving him CPR,” Ed explains as he rushed Chewy to Advanced Veterinary Care Center in Davie, FL.

Just minutes before, Chewy was playing in his backyard, like any typical day. “But, he came hobbling back into the house,” says Ed. “Something was wrong with his foot. I checked his paw and everything seemed fine.” Ed turned to wash Chewy’s bowls and, “next thing I know, minutes later, he threw up all his food and was sitting there lifeless, his eyes wide open.”

Chewy is taken to AVCC

It was after hours on a Sunday night. Luckily Ed knew that Advanced Veterinary Care Center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. “I ran into AVCC and they came out and grabbed him. They were really professional, right on point. It’s like walking into an ER at a regular hospital.”

Upon arrival at AVCC, Chewy’s vitals were critically unstable. He was diagnosed with anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction related to insect stings/bites or environmental allergies (plants, pollen, fragrances, etc.) and less commonly vaccines, medications, and food. Minor symptoms include facial swelling and hives, but more severe cases can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or collapse.

In investigating what could have happened Ed recalled an ant pile outside the door. “He must have been bit by red ants. Not one time in 10 years has this ever happened.” Chewy was stabilized and hospitalized at AVCC. “They were very attentive and kept me updated,” recalls Ed of the AVCC staff. “The doctors and nurses are really nice people. They were understanding and explained everything to me. I love these guys to death. I can’t even explain how much they have done for me.”

Today, Chewy is feeling great and living his best life. “Now, we are always out there walking the yard to make sure this never happens again,” says Ed. “Chewy is happy! He likes to play ball and must have been a pro ball player in a previous life.  He’s a special dog and means the world to me.”

Advanced Veterinary Care Center in Davie, FL (Broward County) is open 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.  If you have any questions regarding our services, please feel free to call us anytime at 954-500-8387. https://advetcc.com

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