Hi Carol:
I went through this last year with Tie when we were camping. Her reaction wasn't as severe but it scared the crap out of me just the same. I can't remember last time I was that scared. Even my kids never put me into that kind of panic!!
The way Tie was freaking I thought she was having trouble breathing but as it turned out that wasn't the case. Her face, ears and muzzle were terribly swollen. Once the vet examined her they gave her a shot of antihistamines and steriods. There didn't seem to be any bees or horseflies around but where we were camped there were a large number of deerflies. So I assume that is what she reacted to. I now carry with me at all times a supply of benedryl. My vet said that if she was stung again and there was similar reaction that I should give her 2 benedryl capsules and get her to vet to be on the safe side. She could also have the same amount of benedryl every 24 hours thereafter.
We live in a rural area and we are out walking the property everyday. There is no way to avoid running into the same scenerio again. We have had no other instances of allergic reaction since. I begin to wonder if the reaction was caused from just from one bite or was the problem that there were multiple bites?
I guess the best course of action is to be ever vigilante and carry your epi pen and benedryl with you at all times. I'm asthmatic and carry inhalers every where I go. It just takes some getting used to.
Lori