|
| |
Before an emergency happens:
 | have a book on first aid
 | Recommended Reference: “The Pet Lover’s Guide to First Aid and
Emergencies”, Thomas K. Day, DVM, DACVA, DACVECC |
|
| create a first aid kit including:
| Blanket and towels |
| Emetics: (to induce vomiting) Use only after consultation with a
veterinarian.
Hydrogen peroxide (1 ml per # or 1/2 ounce per 20 #) or
Syrup of ipecac (1/2 to 1 ml per # or 1/4 to 1/2 ounce per 20#)
May repeat only once within 15-20 minutes. |
| 15 ml syringe or tablespoon: 1 T = 15mls = 1/2 ounce |
| Benedryl (diphenhydramine):1-2 mg per # every 6-8 hours for
hives/allergic reaction. |
| Antibiotic ointment - for cuts and abrasions |
| Tape-adhesive tape 2” |
| Telfa non stick pads-5-10 +/or sanitary napkin |
| Vet Wrap or Ace bandage |
| Gauze wrap-2” |
| Water bottle |
| Saline for eye rinse |
| Thermometer |
| Muzzle or rope to make one - an injured animal may even bite it's owner |
| Scissors |
| Tweezers |
| Nail Trimmers |
| Latex gloves |
| Cortisone ointment - for rashes or itchy areas |
| Pliers - great for fish hooks or a few quills |
| Have the phone numbers of your veterinarian, the emergency clinic(s) on
call and poison control in your first aid kit. |
|
In the event of emergency:
| keep your pet calm (stay calm yourself) |
| wrap him/her in a blanket for warmth to help with shock, and also use as a
stretcher |
| for open wounds
| apply pressure |
| bandage |
|
| contact a veterinary office for advance notification and advice |
Some situations that may require an emergency veterinary response:
| car accidents |
| heatstroke |
| porcupine quills |
| blocked urinary tract - especially male cats |
| bloat |
| cuts and wounds |
| unrelenting vomiting |
| persistent diarrhea - especially with blood present |
| any situation with your pet that you feel is beyond your capabilities
|
Normal Vital Signs
| Temperature: dogs and cats: 101-102.5 |
| Respiratory Rate: (per minute) In animals at rest:
Cats: 20-40 (panting is a sign of distress in a cat)
Small or toy breed: 15 – 30
Medium breeds: 10-25
Large breeds: 10-20
Giant breed: 8-20 |
| Heart Rate: (per minute) At rest.
Cats: 160-200
Small or toy breed: 80-120
Medium breeds: 60-120
Large breeds: 60-110
Giant breed: 50-100 |
| CRT: Capillary Refill Time. 1 1/2 to 2 seconds. It is the time it takes
for the capillaries to refill with blood after blanching with pressure from a
finger. Usually done on a non-pigmented area of the gums, penis or vulva. Push
on the tissue, release pressure, and count the number of seconds it takes for
the pink color to return. |
Emergency Muzzle
| Always be careful with an injured animal. Even your own pet can, and will,
bite if in severe pain. Learn how to place a muzzle using gauze, rope, a belt or
anything else that will work. The muzzle must be snug to be safe.
Make a loop with the tie on top of the nose and pull tightly. Pull the ends
out laterally and form a loop under the jaw and tighten. Then take the ends and
go under the ears and tie behind the neck.
Cats -Cover with the blanket or towel and transport.
|
 |
Basic Cardiopulmonary–Cerebral Resuscitation CPR
A: AIRWAY The airway should be unobstructed. ONLY IF UNCONSCIOUS-open the
mouth, pull the tongue straight out, extend the neck ,and sweep the throat for
any obstruction.
B. BREATHING. Put one or both hands around the muzzle and gently breathe into
the pet’s nose in short (1-2 second) bursts. If this does not result in the
chest expanding with air, recheck for an obstruction, then pinch over the larynx
(which closes off the esophagus) and repeat breaths.
C. CIRCULATION. Chest compressions are done to send blood flow to the vital
organs. The animal should be lying on its side. The compressions are done in
over thickest part of the chest or ribcage (not over the heart). In small dogs
and cats, compression is accomplished by squeezing the thumb on one side and
fingers on the other side of the chest. In larger dogs, one or both hands may be
used for the compressions. Be careful to avoid breaking the ribs. The rate of
compression is 80-100 per minute.
Basic CPR has been evolving and some now believe chest compressions alone serve
to both ventilate the lungs and circulate blood. There is no consensus at this
time so try both methods. Doing both breathing and compressions alone can be
very difficult.
Heimlich maneuver: This can be accomplished by doing a quick chest compression
as described.
Tips on mild vomiting and/or diarrhea
| for diarrhea, rest the intestinal tract by withholding food for 12+ hours |
| if vomiting is also present, withhold water as well |
| if vomiting has stopped for 4-6 hours, offer small amounts of water spaced
over several hours |
| if no vomiting, feed a bland, easily digested diet such as rice and
cottage cheese, or rice and boiled burger |
| call as soon as we are open for an appointment or further advice |
| if vomiting continues even when food and water are withheld, this is an
emergency |
|
