EMERGENCY CARE

Vet ScienceEMERGENCY CARE

What Constitutes an Emergency?

Emergency SituationsUnconscious or very depressed animals:- CPR:- pull tongue out and cup nose and blow in- check for chocking obstruction- compress chest 1 per second- keep the animal warm and transport

http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/photos/galleries/index.html?story=16678237Emergency SituationsTrauma- Shock: bodys response to a traumatic event-Examples: hit by a car, attack by other animal-increased heart rate-pale mucus membrane- First Aid:-control external bleeding-warm with blanket-muzzle-aware of broken bones-minimize moving

The most common incident in a dogs life that will cause trauma is getting hit by a car.

Emergency SituationsBleeding: oozing vein, squirt artery-First Aid:-use gloves-pressure bleeding-wrap bleeding area-if leg then wrap whole leg

Emergency SituationsLabored Breathing- First Aid:-look and feel for obstruction-lift rear legs -hymlic maneuver

URGENT AND LIFE THREATENING!Emergency SituationsInability to Urinate or Defecate- First Aid:-not constipation-blood coming out-dont wait until next morning-depressed-vomitEmergency SituationsBloat/Distended Abdomen: restlessness and internal bleeding- First Aid:-keep warmEmergency SituationsPoisoning

If poisonous to man then it is also poisonous to pets

Tylenol, house plants, chemicals-catsNO!Dark chocolate-dogs- First Aid:-bring package to vet-bring plant-To induce vomiting:-1 tsp hydrogen peroxide per 10 lb of weight

Emergency SituationsHeat Stroke: excessive panting, severe lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea

- First Aid:-remove from heat-fresh water-cool with hose (rinse)-NO ICE BATH!

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/06/hot_humid_weather_in_western_m.htmlEmergency SituationsHypothermia: body temperature below 98- First Aid:-slow warming-wrap with blanket-NO EXTERNAL HEAT SOURCES!

http://www.animalpeoplenews.org/05/9/disastersDrivenFlood9.05.htm

Emergency SituationsDiarrhea/Vomiting

Cause: inappropriate diet

- First Aid:-take to the vet-let the vet know:-both?-blood present?-last 24 hours?-young or old?-history of other conditions

http://www.parktownvet.com/newsletters.htmlEmergency SituationsDystocia or Birthing Problems: 4 to 6 hours of light contractions, 20-30 hours of heavy contractions-First Aid:-steady pull only when she is pushing-lick of new born-wipe membranes from mouth and nose-rub chest area-cut umbilical cord

http://research.vet.upenn.edu/Dairy/Reproduction/Obstetrics/Dystocia/tabid/3990/Default.aspxEmergency SituationsSeizures: symptom of disease, uncontrolled shaking-First Aid:-less than 1 minute is not life threatening-keep from hurting itself-do not handle around mouth-record time and how long it lasts

http://www.findavet.us/2010/01/how-to-treat-your-dogs-seizure/Over the TelephoneHelp stabilize the pet.Do not try to diagnose or tell the concerned pet owner that it is not an emergency. Provide information and let them make the decision.Inform of change of animal behaviorInstruct: Use a muzzle to prevent biting. Use pantyhose, leash, rope or twineIf muzzle is not practical use a blanket. Traumatized animals: Use plywood and blankets to transport. Cats should be transported by box or carrier.

Emergency Care FacilityIf you are talking with the concerned pet owner you should instruct them to take their animal to to an Emergency Care Facility.

Emergency Care Facilities provide:Supplemental oxygenDiagnostic equipmentIncubatorsResuscitation equipmenthttp://www.vmth.missouri.edu/Make the animal a top priority by having a gurney or stretcher ready, and administrate emergency care immediately.

OH NO! Its an EMERGENCY!Scenario:

You will take on the role of the vet or vet assistance. You have answered a call from a concerned pet owner, and you must assist them with their emergency situation.

I will hand out a scenario. You will work with a partner to determine the proper emergency care, and then you will report that information to the concerned pet owner.

Partners- vet or vet assistantClassmates- concerned pet owner

You will have 2 minutes to determine proper emergency care and then I will call on groups to present the information.