A Comprehensive

Look at

Pet First Aid

BASIC ASSESSMENT, COMMON

EMERGENCIES AND LIFE

SAVING TECHNIQUES

April 12, 2014

Animal Transport During An Emergency

BREATHE & MOVE SLOWLY!!

Apply a muzzle Place blanket behind the dog Gently transfer onto a blanket or firm surface of

appropriate size With one person on each side, pull taught and lift

equally.

Basic Assessment

Stage One: Breathing – From a safe distance, how is the animal breathing?

Respiratory rate: Count how many breaths taken in 15 seconds and multiply by 4

A normal respiratory rate for a dog is 15-30 breaths per minute.

A normal rate for a cat is 20-30 breaths per minute.

A very fast rate could indicate difficulty breathing, pain, or stress. Effort: How easy is it for the animal to breath?

Are they taking rapid, shallow breaths?

Are they having to use the abdominal muscles to move air?

If the mouth is open, what color is the tongue?

A gray or blue coloration indicates a lack of oxygen

Is there any excessive noise associated? (excluding normal panting)

Stage Two: Mucus Membranes If breathing is not compromised, slowly move in to apply the muzzle. Check mucus membrane color: (gums and tissue in the corners of the eyes) - can be done with muzzle on - Can be difficult in dogs such as chows with pigmented gums.

Dark red mucus membranes- one stage of shock or hypertension

Light pink to white mucus membranes- progressed stage of shock or anemia

Pink- normal

Yellow- Possible liver compromise

Grey, Blue- lack of oxygen Are gums moist or dry and tacky? Capillary Refill Time: While assessing mucus membrane color, check capillary refill time. Reveals how well the body is maintaining vascular stability (blood pressure) To perform test:

Apply gentle pressure with one finger above the teeth on the gum line

Release pressure and count how many seconds needed for the color to return

Normal= 2 seconds

Too fast or too slow may indicate shock, anemia, or internal bleeding. Avoid gingivitis- may skew results

Stage Three: Heart Rate Assessed by palpating the pulse of the femoral artery or directly on chest The femoral artery is located inside the rear leg just behind the femur. Heart Rate:

Apply gentle pressure and count the beats for 15 seconds then multiply by 4

A normal heart rate for a dog is 60-160 beats per minute in medium to large dogs, and 180-220 beats per minute in small dogs and puppies.

A normal heart rate for a cat is a maximum of 240. How easy is the pulse to feel? A fast heart rate could indicate shock, anemia, pain or stress A slow heart rate could indicate a very serious level of Shock Bounding (very strong) or very weak can also be an indicator of shock

Stage Four: Temperature Not necessary if animal is in a high state of stress or if it is obvious that there is a dire emergency Assess with flexible rectal thermometer only- no glass Helpful in cases of suspected heat stroke or if the animal is just not acting right.

Normal temperature for a dog or cat is 99°F- 102.5°F

Too high may indicate heat exhaustion/stoke, infection, or stress Too low may indicate a very serious level of shock

Basic Assessment Stages (Work to maintain safety)

1. •Respiratory Rate •Respiratory Effort 2. •Capillary Refill Time •Evaluate Hydration 3. •Heart Rate •Pulse Strength 4. •Temperature

Shock

Clinical signs: early stages

Increased heart rate

Increased respiratory rate

Rapid capillary refill time

Injected (red) mucus membranes

Increased pulse pressure

Clinical signs: progressive stages

Rapid heart rate

Weak pulses

Prolonged capillary refill time

Pale mucus membranes

Hypothermia ( low body temp)

Lethargy

Loss of consciousness

Heat Stroke

Brachycephalic breeds such as English Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers are especially at risk

Symptoms: Excessive panting Bright red gums and tongue Gums feel dry to the touch Thick saliva Excessive trembling Staggering Laying down and refusing or unable to get back up

A rectal temperature over 104 ° F (needs immediate veterinary attention)

A rectal temperature of 106 °F or greater (dire emergency) NEVER SUMERGE OR SATURATE WITH COLD WATER!! Will pack heat into the core and literally cook organs

Treatment: Remove dog from the hot environment

Immediately get a rectal temperature if possible

DO NOT Submerge or saturate with cold water or ice!! (this may make internal damage more severe)

Place cool, wet rags or washcloths on major blood vessels such as the jugular vein (along the neck) and the femoral artery (inside the rear leg). Replace often.

Slightly dampen the dog with lukewarm water and place directly in front of a fan to safely wick away heat- Do not soak!

Offer cool water to drink but do not force water into the mouth

Most effective treatment is with IV fluids and medications administered by a veterinarian!

Call or visit a vet right away - even if the dog seems better. Internal damage might not be obvious to the naked eye.

Lacerations and Wounds

May be superficial (skin only) or deep (including tendons or muscles

Lacerations presented to a Veterinarian within the first 12 hours can be sutured closed

Lacerations presented to a veterinarian after 24 hours usually cannot be sutured

If a high amount of contamination is present, the laceration will not be closed due to the risk of infection

Assessment of Bleeding: 1. Mucus membrane color: If the gums are pale and the dog seems weak, immediate

veterinary attention is needed. 2. Respiratory rate and effort: a puncture wound in the chest could cause a collapsed lung 3. If the gums appear a healthy pink color and the animal is not in respiratory distress,

clean the wounds until help can be obtained.

Controlling Blood Loss: Surface Wounds:

Application of pressure directly over the wound using gauze or cloth will usually stop the flow.

Do not wipe or pat the wound

Will remove the clot and restart the bleeding.

A light bandage may be applied to keep the wound clean and dry and promote further clotting.

Heavy Bleeding: Apply immediate heavy pressure to the area to slow the flow.

With neck wounds, be careful not to restrict the flow of air through the trachea (windpipe).

Wound Care: A wound or laceration due to a bite or other object is considered contaminated.

Primary cleaning:

Follow all safety precautions- use a muzzle; animal may require sedation by a veterinarian 1. It is never a bad idea to clip the hair around the effected site 2. If a deep wound or laceration, KY jelly should be placed into the wound prior to clipping

to prevent further contamination from hair 3. After clipping, wash wound with chlorhexidine or betadine scrub 4. Rinse thoroughly with water

Repeat washing 3 times

NEVER USE Hydrogen peroxide on a wound! It kills healthy tissue

Bandaging: # 1 Rule when bandaging: DO NOT make it too tight!!!! Supplies needed:

Non- stick telfa pads (for wound)

Rolled gauze

Vet wrap or similar

Scissors

Special considerations: Vet wrap tightens as you apply it – be careful!

Do not allow bandage to get wet- use rubber glove or sandwich bag to cover when walking outside

Keep it clean- dirt and debris under bandage can cause serious complications

Fractures

Symptoms and Causes:

Suspected any time normal use or form of a

limb or other bone/area has been altered

Usually there will be moderate to severe

pain in the area, swelling, bruising, and

possibly an open wound with bone

protruding.

Treatment:

Using first aid guidelines apply muzzle and

place animal on a blanket to use as a

stretcher

Get to a vet as soon as possible- the more

quickly evaluated increases the chance of

proper treatment and healing.

Luxations (Dislocations)

Symptoms:

A dislocated joint is very difficult to

differentiate from a fracture

Usually affects a hip, elbow, or shoulder;

but any joint may be affected.

Treatment:

Using first aid guidelines - apply muzzle and

place animal on a blanket to use as a

stretcher

Get to a vet quickly.

The body attempts to heal luxations very

quickly- in just a few hours it may be

impossible to reduce the dislocation.

Choking:

Easily confused with reverse sneeze, vomiting, or other issue

Symptoms: If an animal is truly choking:

They usually will paw at their face continually

Be in a panicked state

Show signs of respiratory distress (may include blue tinged tongue and gums)

Small toys and bones can easily become lodged in dog’s mouth or trachea

Treatment: If a dog is truly choking:

Remove collar or anything restricting the trachea

Need to see the back of the dog’s throat- sometimes the object is visible

Placing your hands into a panicking dogs mouth is very dangerous

Use the top lips and bottom incisors to open the jaw

If you can see the obstruction, gently use tweezers, pliers, or hemostats to remove

Be careful not to push the object further down

In case of a bone or sharp object, do not tear tissue when removing.

Heimlich maneuver:

The Heimlich maneuver has not been very successful in dogs

If you cannot see or remove the object- get to a vet immediately.

Attempt Heimlich as a last resort, on the way to a veterinary hospital

How:

Hold dog so rear legs are elevated and nose is close to the ground

Apply a thrust of pressure to the stomach

Located on the left side just behind the rib cage

Gastro-Distention and Volvulus (GDV) BLOAT

Possible causes:

Eating just before or just after heavy exercise may induce GDV

Eating rapidly and swallowing copious amounts of air

Sometimes it just happens

Symptoms: Frequent non-productive retching Lethargy Discomfort/Pain (elevated heart rate, panting, pacing) Abdominal distention

Treatment: Take all measures for prevention No first aid available Requires emergency lifesaving treatment and surgery-

GET TO A VET!!

Poisons:

Any chemicals, plants, insects, reptiles, or spoiled foods that might be

poisonous to animals

If suspected: Attempt to identify what the poison is If chemical or man made toxin- collect package to take with you to the vet- not just a

sample If plant or other material take a sample with you Contact your local poison control- have a credit card ready Rinse the skin, eyes, face or mouth to remove any substances you feel are causing

localized irritation. The use of a mild soap may be needed. Even if the substance does not seem to bother

the skin, wash it off so the dog does not later lick and ingest more poison. Speak to a veterinarian or poison control before inducing vomiting If recommended, administer hydrogen peroxide orally at a dose of 1-3 teaspoons of

hydrogen peroxide orally every ten minutes 1-3 times, until the dog vomits

Animal Poison Control Center

888-426-4435

AVAILABLE 24 HOURS/DAY 365 DAYS/YEAR Have a credit card when calling. May be a $65.00 charge

Insect Bites/Stings

Symptoms: Pain at the site of the bite

Trembling or shivering

Elevated body temperature

Swelling of the lips, eyes, face or feet (Allergic Reaction)

Difficulty breathing

Shock

Treatment: If possible, remove any stinger that

is present with a small pair of tweezers

Place ice on the site

Administer Benadryl (1mg per pound of body weight)

It is difficult to know if any allergic reaction will stabilize or progress to something more serious- get to a vet!

Dehydration:

Occurs as the body loses fluids and electrolytes

A dog’s body requires 1 ounce of water for every lb. of body weight per day to maintain life

Prolonged dehydration may lead to shock and death

Symptoms: Lack of water or poor water intake,

vomiting, diarrhea, and fever

Dogs which are dehydrated will exhibit a loss of skin elasticity, have dry lips or gums, a weak rapid pulse, their eyes may have sunken in somewhat and they will appear depressed.

Treatment: As long as the pet is not vomiting

you may administer small amounts of water or Pedialyte orally.

The more severe the dehydration, or if vomiting is occurring, veterinary attention and fluid therapy may be required.

Vomiting:

A small amount of vomiting (once or twice only) does not constitute an emergency situation

Remove food and water for one hour

If no vomit after an hour offer a small amount of water

Observe closely for lethargy, weakness, or fever Frequent vomiting is a concern (more than 3-5 times in a six hour period)

Ingested toxin

Foreign body

Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

Dehydration

Diarrhea: There can be many causes for diarrhea in the dog.

For one occurrence, allow water but withhold food for 24 hours.

A small amount of KaoPectate, 1 teaspoon for every 20 pounds of body weight can be given one or two times 4-6 hrs. apart.

Observe for:

Weakness or lethargy

If the diarrhea contains blood

If the diarrhea persists for more than 24hrs

Observe small, geriatric, or young dogs closely for signs of dehydration and hypoglycemia

Seizure:

Causes: A history of epilepsy

Hypoglycemic crises

Toxin ingestion

Other medical issue

Brain tumor

Hemorrhage

Unknown reason

Treatment During: Make sure the animal cannot injure

itself against a corner of a cabinet, table leg, etc.

Otherwise- Do nothing!

They cannot swallow their tongue- you may get bitten if you put your hands in the mouth

Do not try to restrain- wait it out

Types of Seizures: Mild or Focal

May just involving the face and “fly biting”

Staring off into space

A head “nod”

Major or Grand Mal Dog will lay on side

Lips may be curled back exposing teeth

Full body convulsions

Dog may paddle uncontrollably

May urinate and/or defecate

CPR

Order of importance: CAB Circulation, Airway, Breathing

Compressions alone can be beneficial for the first 4 minutes of CPR only.

Ventilation is vital after 4 minutes

Perform compressions in 2 minute cycles with as few interruptions as possible

CPR Recommendations: Compressions:

Compressions should be performed at a rate of 100-150 beats per minute

The force of compressions should reach 1/3-1/2 of the depth of the chest

Chest should fully recoil between compressions

Compressions are recommended to be initiated first, but should not be performed longer than 4 minutes without ventilation.

Should be performed in 2 minute cycles without interruption

There is only a 2% chance of injury related to unnecessary chest compressions

WHEN IN DOUBT, START COMPRESSIONS!!

C- Compressions Positioning Option 1:

Circumferential: Use for most small dogs and cats With animal laying on either side, wrap hand around the

sternum or chest directly over the heart Perform Compressions by squeezing thumb and fingers

2 Handed Compressions Positioning Option 2: 2 handed technique directly over the heart For deep, narrow chested animals such as greyhounds,

obese cats, and medium size dogs With animal laying on either side, place one hand over

the other and interlock fingers. Use upper body to perform compressions

2 Handed Compressions Positioning Option 3: 2 handed technique over the widest portion of the chest Adequate for most dogs

With animal laying on either side, place one hand over the other and interlock fingers.

Use upper body to perform compressions Compressions Positioning option 4:

2 handed technique with compressions on the sternum directly over the heart.

For barrel-chested dogs like English Bulldogs With animal lying on back place one hand over the other and

interlock fingers. Use upper body to perform compressions

Airway: After an initial 2 minute cycle of compressions at 100-150 beats per minute, quickly

check the airway

Look for any blood, mucus, vomit, dirt, or any foreign objects as they will obstruct air flow during respirations.

Use your fingers or a rag to clear any debris and begin respirations.

A quick, sweeping action is very effective

Breathing: The rescuer holds the patient’s mouth tightly closed, places his or her mouth over the

nostrils making a seal, and blows into the nostrils.

Extend the head and neck to avoid excess air going to the stomach

Breaths should be administered at a rate of 10 breaths per minute

Should be delivered with a patient inspiratory time of one second.

You should see the chest rise with each breath

Putting it All Together

Compressions: 100-150 per minute

30 pumps to 2 breaths

2 minute cycles then check for vital signs

Full chest recoil between pumps

Breathing: 10 breaths per minute

2 quick breaths to every 30 compressions

1 second inspiratory time with enough force to make the chest rise each time

Triage

Order of importance: 1. Bleeding (only if a major blood vessel) 2. Is the heart beating? Rate? 3. Is the animal breathing? Rate? Effort? 4. Bleeding (if from minor blood vessel or rectum)

Triage: Special Considerations Bleeding:

Area’s such as the ear, nose, mouth, and feet are highly vascular and tend to bleed more

Often looks worse than it actually is

An animal cannot bleed to death from such areas

Frank Blood (bright red) from the rectum is usually not a life or death situation

Some forms of gastro-enteritis can look and smell like death- o Requires veterinary attention o Not immediately life threatening

Melena (Black, tarry stools) or dark, coffee ground stool is actually more severe

First Aid Kit

o A good pair of bandage scissors

o Exam gloves (several)

o Tweezers

o Pliers

o Tick puller

o A medium to large hemostat

o Telfa pads- mutiple sizes

o Zonas- white tape

o Vet wrap- 2 inch

o Eye flush solution

o Chlorhexidine or Betadine scrub

o Alcohol

o 3x3 gauze

o A few 3cc syringes

o Rolled bandage gauze (for muzzle or bandaging)

o Cauterizing agent (quickstop/cornstarch)

o Nail trimmers

o KY jelly (or other water based lubricate)

o Thermometer

o Corn syrup

o Hydrogen peroxide (not for wounds)

o Homeopathic Arnica Montana

Jewel Willis

www.thejoyfulanimal.com

info@thejoyfulanimal.com

406-531-2012

Hamilton, Mt

Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT)

Tellington TTouch Practitioner (CAP1)

Reiki Master/Teacher for Animals and Humans

Hospice Support for Companion Animals and their Humans

Animal Communication

Companion Animal First Aid, K9 Body Language classes

Member APDT, Pet Professional Guild