Capillary refill
time is measured by pressing on the gums over the canine tooth. Using one
finger, press down firmly until the gums turn white under your finger and
release. You are looking for the time it took for the color to return. Also,
note the color of your dogs gums and mouth. Dogs gum color can vary from black,
pink, reddish brown or any combination of colors.
Temperature is
taken rectally with an adult rectal thermometer. You should hold it in place
for 1 to 2 minutes. If you get a temperature of less than 100 degrees F, re-take
the temperature to make sure the thermometer was in place long enough.
The pulse rate
and respiration rate will vary from dog to dog, and will also vary if the
dog is at rest or working. So, it is a good idea to get normal values for
both.
RECOGNIZING
SIGNS OF SHOCK
Shock is a condition
resulting from a depressed state of many vital body functions, caused by a
lack of effective circulation. It is a life threatening condition that is
reversible if treated in time. Some causes of shock are; severe loss of blood,
burns, trauma, snake bites, poison, lack of oxygen, or prolonged vomiting
with diarrhea.
Symptoms of
shock include:
- Pale color
in gums / inside eyelids, capillary refill time greater than 2 seconds.
- Dry lips and
gums, dehydration.
- Excessive
drooling in some poison cases.
- Weak femoral
pulse, rapid 150 to 200 beats per minute.
- Rapid heart
rate.
- Cool Extremities.
- Hyperventilation,
rapid breathing generally over 25 breaths per minute.
- Confusion,
restless, anxiousness.
- General weakness.
Advanced stages
of shock:
- Continued
depression and weakness to the point of not being able to move or becoming
unresponsive or unconscious.
- Dilated pupils.
- Capillary
refill time greater than 4 seconds.
- White mucous
membranes.
- Body temperature
below 98 degrees F, taken rectally.
Treatment
ABC's
Insure adequate ventilation.
Control any bleeding.
Keep dog quiet and calm to prevent further injury.
Keep body temperature normal.
Get dog to veterinarian so fluid replacement and medication can be started.
An injured dog
or an animal in shock may not recognize you. Your own dog may bite you out
of pain or fear. It is very important to talk to the dog in very soft and
reassuring tones. If the dog is having trouble breathing or panting heavily
do not put a muzzle on it. If a muzzle is placed on the dog it must be monitored
at all times and removed at the first sign of overheating or vomiting. Get
help, if possible from someone who can help hold the dog, so you can do an
examination and/or treat the dog.
WOUNDS
AND BLEEDING
Abrasions
- Usually
minor.
- Some bleeding.
- Always a
possibility of infection.
Treatment
Carefully
remove foreign objects and debris.
May have to cut or clip hair away from area.
Clean wound liberally with water and chlorhexidine or Betadine scrubs
or solutions if available. If not, any soap will be beneficial. Solution
does not have to be rinsed, scrub must be rinsed copiously. (Avoid
using hydrogen peroxide. It can damage tissue.)
Major lacerations
and bleeding
- Can be life
threatening.
- May need
to be sutured by a vet.
Treatment
|
Control bleeding. |
1. Additional direct pressure
2. Elevation
3. Pressure points |
| Get
professional help right away. Also see the above treatment for
laceration |
Bandaging
principles
FRACTURES
AND SUSPECTED FRACTURES
Signs and
Symptoms
- Obvious
pain
- Loss of
use of the limb
- Protruding
bone
- Swelling
- Irregularity
or deformity
- Limping
Treatment
Remember,
shock and bleeding should be controlled first.
Treat dislocation as fracture.
Do not push bone back through skin.
Cover an open fracture with clean dressing.
Limb fracture below elbow or knee apply a Robert Jones bandage from toes
to shoulder or hip.
Unfortunately, there is no agreed upon or standard for first aid for a
fracture of the humerus or femur.
Transport to appropriate facilities ASAP.
Splinting
principles
- Immobilization
of fracture or suspected fracture. (This requires immobilization of both
the joint above and the joint below the fracture.)
- Decrease
pain.
- Prevent
shock.
- Prevent
further injury to surrounding tissue.
- Provide
compression to control bleeding and edema.
EMERGENCY
AND TRAUMA
SNAKE BITES
Signs/Symptoms
- Pain
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Salivation,
thirsty
- Swelling
at the area of the bite
- Shock
Treatment
Seek immediate
veterinary care. While transporting, immobilize the part of the animal that
has been bitten, keeping below the heart level. A constricting band may
be used, with caution, to impede the spread of the venom. Keep the animal
calm and confined during the transport. If you can identify the snake species,
it may be helpful in treatment.
STINGS
Signs/Symptoms
- Pain
- Swelling
and redness
- Pawing at
face
- Snapping
in the air
Treatment
If you see
the stinger, get it out. Cool compression will help alleviate the sting.
Give oral benedryl (diphenhydramine 2-4mg/kg orally every 8 hours). Seek
medical attention if swelling persists/gets worse or if the sting is near
the head/neck/throat area.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
Signs/Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Circulatory
collapse
- Red mucous
membrane (gums)
- Excessive
panting
- Dehydration
- Shaking
Treatment
Seek shade,
rest the dog, offer small amounts of water. Seek veterinary care if condition
does not improve.
HEAT STROKE
Signs/Symptoms
- Excessive
panting
- Rectal temperature
above 105-106 degrees F
- Disorientation
- Weakness
- Rapid pulse/breathing
- Brick red
mucous membranes
Treatment
Get the dog
into shade, into a creek if available. Use same precautions as with human,
don't use ice water bath. Slowly cool down the body temperature, immerse
in a cool water bath. Ice can be placed, with caution, under armpits,
head, neck, and groin area, being sure to wrap in cloth first. Monitor
temperature, avoiding cooling too much. Transport to veterinary hospital.
BLOAT
Bloat is the
common terminology for Gastric Dilatation/Torsion. This is most common in
larger - deep chested dogs. Gastric dilatation is the enlargement of the stomach
beyond its normal dimensions. Gastric dilatation volvulus is when the stomach
actually rotates on itself. This is a life threatening situation.
Signs/Symptoms
- Dry retching/unproductive
vomit
- Restlessness
- Anxiousness
- Distended
abdomen (hardened)
- Drooling
excessively
- Depression
- Shock
Treatment
Take to the
veterinary hospital immediately.
To monitor the bloat you can take a measuring tape (webbing or leash could
work) and measure the distance around the dog, just caudal (past) the
last rib. Monitor and make sure it is not enlarging, mark it with a pen
to keep accurate.
Prevention
Feed your
dog his/her ration of food in, at least, two feedings a day (am/pm). Avoid
giving lots of water at once, offer water more frequently. Avoid exercise
approximately 1-2 hours before and after feeding.
POISON
Signs/Symptoms
- Breathing
difficulty
- Unusual
actions
- Digestive
upset
- Irregular
heart, rapid, or weak
- Shivering
- Convulsions
- Salivation
There are many different types of poisoning, each will affect your dog
differently. Many do not produce immediate symptoms. Find out what your
local poison control number is and call them. Keep 1-800-548-2423 with
you. Do not make the dog vomit if it is a caustic poison or you do not
know what kind of poison the dog has consumed. Consult poison control
or a veterinarian for further instructions.
Types of poisons
and a brief reaction description are:
- Anti
Coagulant Rodenticides
Warfarin
These rodenticides will cause the dog's blood to stop clotting in hours
or a day. This does not show immediate signs like other poisons. Make
your dog vomit, further veterinary care is necessary for survival. Seek
immediate veterinary care bringing the box of poison with you.
- Other
Rodenticides
ANTU
Thallium
Pindone
Strychnine
Sodium Floro-acetate (1080)
Zinc Phosphide
May cause fatal pulmonary edema, seizures, liver or kidney destruction,
or severe hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. If the dog is conscious, induce
vomiting, give Toxiban, collect the product label, and transport to
the veterinarian.
- Pesticides
Arsenic
Chlorinated Hydrocarbons
Organophosphates
Carbonates
Rotenone
Metaldehyde
The signs are more immediate for most of these. General
profuse salivation, stomach pain and cramps, labored breathing, bluish
mucous membranes, seizures/convulsions, rigidity, extended legs and
many other signs. IMMEDIATELY SEEK VETERINARY CARE.
- Glycol's
Antifreeze
Signs may not be readily apparent. The dog may actually appear a bit
"drunken". The fatal effect of ethylene glycol occurs hours
later and is irreversible at that point. Immediately rinse the dogs
mouth, feet and any other points of contact. Induce vomiting if conscious
and give Toxiban. Transport immediately to veterinarian.
- Miscellaneous
poisons
Acid
Alkalies
Garbage
Toxic plants
Chocolate
Acid - Clean off what you can see, do not induce vomiting, transport to
vet.
Alkalies - Clean off what you can see, do not induce vomiting, transport
to vet.
Garbage - Remove what you can, induce vomiting, give activated charcoal....do
not give lomotil.
Toxic plants - Take a sample of the suspected plant to a local veterinarian.
Chocolate - If more than 1 oz/kg of baking chocolate is consumed, or 2
oz/kg of semi-sweet chocolate, or 4 oz/kg of Milk chocolate, induce vomiting,
give activated charcoal and transport to vet. (note, the fat content of
some milk chocolate products can cause life threatening pancreatitis).
CPR AND
RESCUE BREATHING
Airways
The first priority
is to establish an unobstructed airway. Open airways by extending head and
neck. Check and remove any foreign materials from the mouth and pull the tongue
forward.
Breathing
Look and listen
for signs of breathing. If none, place your hands around the muzzle to prevent
air from escaping and breathe forcefully into the nostrils. The chest should
expand and fall if you are getting air into the lungs. Do not be too forceful
with small animals. Rescue breathing should be given at a rate of 8 to 10
breaths per minute (or one breath every 6 seconds).
Cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR)
If there is no
pulse, place the dog on a hard surface with its right side down. Use the heel
of your hand to compress the chest on the lower side immediately behind the
elbow. The compression should be firm and not a sudden blow. It helps to have
2 people; the first gives the cardiac massage, the second does the breathing.
CPR should be given at a rate of 80 to 120 compressions per minute with two
ventilations being given every 15 compressions of the chest.
Drugs &
Electrical Manipulation
Drugs and electrical
manipulation can only be done by a veterinarian. For the best chance to save
your dog, get to a veterinarian as quickly as possible! Even if you revive
your dog by doing rescue breathing or CPR, take your dog to a vet for a complete
exam.
FIELD FIRST
AID KIT
This is a list
of equipment and supplies that you will want to carry in your field first
aid kit. The * indicates things that you will need to obtain from a veterinarian.
It's a good idea to talk to your veterinarian and let him know the kind of
work you do with your dog. Remember you want to keep your field pack as small
and light as possible. Carry only the things that you will need for an emergency.
Your car or flight pack is a good place to carry bulky first aid supplies
like extra tape, bandages, and roll cotton.
tweezer
hemostat / forceps
scissors / emergency shears
thermometer
safety pins
3" x 3" gauze sponges
Ace elastic bandage
triangular bandage
Band-Aids
2" roll gauze / Conform stretch bandage
Sam splint
1" adhesive tape
exam gloves
non-adhering dressing / Telfa / Release
2" roll Medi-Rip / Vetwrap
Betadine solution
Sting ease
Aspirin
K-Y jelly
Benadryl (2-4mg/kg)
* Antibiotics
(Ampicillin / Tetracycline)
* Topical ointments (Panalog / Tritop / Neomycin / Neosporin)
* Ophthalmic Ointment without steroid (Mycitracin / Terramycin)
* Steroid (Prednisolone)
* Anti-diarrhea medication
* Emetic, to cause the dog to vomit (Apomorphine)
The items
in parentheses are only a suggestion. Your Veterinarian may have you use
other drugs or products.
EMERGENCY
PRE-PLAN FOR WORKING SEARCH DOGS
Meet With
Your Veterinarian
Talk to your
veterinarian to see if he/she would be available to assist in an emergency
after hours or on weekends. It's important to let them know the type of work
you do with your dog. In the event of an emergency it might be hours or even
a day before you can get your dog to professional help.
Discuss with
your veterinarian how they would like you to handle emergencies such as: hyperthermia,
allergic reactions, snake bites, lacerations, fractures, diarrhea/vomiting
and poisoning before you get your dog to them or the closest vet. Go over
the first aid kit and medication ideas. Are they willing to provide you with
some basic drugs and instructions on how to use them in an emergency? The
list of medications is only a suggestion, each veterinarian will have medications
they prefer to use. Don't make a First Aid kit with things you don't know
how to use or what they are for.
If your dog has
been injured or treated for an emergency in the field it is important to call
your vet and update him upon your return. Your vet may recommend a follow
up exam and further treatments or just appreciate being updated.
Field First
Aid Kit
This kit will
always be taken with you when you go out in the field. A field first aid kit
is a small to minimum sized kit and only contains things to treat emergencies
in the field. The medications and supplies don't last forever. Make sure all
medications have expiration dates on them. Keep tape in a plastic bag to avoid
its drying out. The most important thing to remember is that when you use
up supplies in your first aid kit you replace them ASAP.
Car First
Aid Kit
Make a larger
kit to keep in your car that contains more supplies like dressings, bulky
bandaging supplies, splints, stethoscope, sterile water etc.
Medical Records
and Vaccination Certificates
Ask your veterinarian
for a copy of your dogs records and certificates for vaccinations. They are
very important to have if your dog is being treated for any condition or has
any medical problems. You should carry a copy of your dogs current vaccinations.
K-9 EXAM
PRACTICE
Because normal
values vary from dog to dog, this will be a reference of what is normal
for your dog. Please print and complete and put in your First Aid Kit for
reference.
GLOSSARY
OF COMMON ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMS USED IN VETERINARY MEDICINE
