When Noopy Had an Allergic Reaction

Two weeks ago, Noopy went through quite a frightening episode: a severe inflammatory reaction, most likely triggered by an insect sting, although the exact cause remains unknown.

It all started very discreetly. The first sign was a more red than usual glans. At the time, nothing too alarming. But over the days that followed, symptoms began appearing one after another.

Then came swelling around his lips, along with small bumps. Some could burst without us noticing and bleed slightly. Then other areas started to react: his ears, eyes and penis developed inflammatory lesions that, over time, formed scabs as they healed.

Three days after the very first signs, the inflammation reached its peak. The area around his eyes swelled up, his lips were very puffy and Noopy started running a fever, up to 40°C. At that point, the situation clearly called for serious veterinary attention.

Noopy had to be hospitalised for two days to be properly monitored and treated. Blood tests were carried out, revealing a very high CRP (90) — a sign of significant inflammation in the body. Thankfully, that marker began to drop once treatment was underway.

The vet put together a course of medication to bring the inflammation under control and prevent any secondary infection:

• Bioclamox (antibiotic)
• Dermipred (corticosteroid to calm the inflammatory response)
• as well as local care, including an antiseptic shampoo for the penis.

As the lesions began to heal, a new phase appeared: itching. Noopy scratched himself a lot, especially around one week after the first symptoms, when his skin was starting to recover. Scabs then formed over the affected areas: ears, penis and the area around his eyes.

Today, exactly two weeks after the first symptoms, Noopy is doing much better. The swelling has largely gone down, although the area around his eyes, his lips and his penis are still slightly red and a little swollen, especially around the lips. The good news is that his skin's natural black colour is starting to come back, which is a sign that healing is well underway.

The itching has eased too, and I was finally able to safely remove his cone.

This episode was a reminder of just how quickly certain allergic or inflammatory reactions can escalate in a dog. If any unusual swelling appears — especially around the eyes, lips or sensitive areas — it's always best to consult a vet promptly to prevent things from getting worse.

Thankfully, with quick care and a little patience, Noopy is now well on his way to getting his little face back to normal 🐾