CANINE FIRST AID

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CANINE FIRST AID EMERGENCY CARE
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First Aid Procedures

• Approaching the victim, survey the scene for
  safety and clues
  
• Initial assessment
• Get first aid materials (kit)
• Call for help, telephone ahead to animal hospital

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First Aid Procedures

• Restraint of dog
• Transport
• First aid for specific injuries
• Contents of first aid kit and how to use them.

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FIRST AID FOR SPECIFIC INJURIES
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Areas to be Covered
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HEAT STROKE

• Usually occurs in animals exposed to a high
  environmental temperature and exposed to stress
  (confinement in a car, overexertion, Malignant
  Hyperthermia)
• Overweight animals as well as geriatric or infant
  are more prone to heat stroke
  
• Rectal temperature can reach 105 -110 (normal
  99.5 - 102.2)

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HEAT STROKE

• Alters functions of all body organs, causes cell
  death and kidney failure, shock
  
• Excess panting leads to changes in body pH and
  electrolyte abnormalities as well as brain
  swelling and death
  

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HEAT STROKE

• SYMPTOMS
• Excess panting
• Weakness, collapse
• Rectal temp 105
• Irregular heartbeats
• Possibly dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, lack or
  urine output
  
• Possibly seizures

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HEAT STROKE

• FIRST AID TREATMENT
• Lower body temperature by immersing animal in
  cold water or putting cold compresses or packs on
  the animal (especially in the groin, neck, chest
  areas)
• Attempt to get a rectal temp of 102 within 30 -
  60 minutes
  
• Monitor rectal temp every 2 to 5 minutes so as
  not to overcool the animal
  
• Stop cooling when temp 103
• Transport ASAP to hospital where animal will be
  put on IV therapy

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BURNS THERMAL

• SYMPTOMS
• Redness
• Blistering
• Charred skin
• Singed hair coat

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BURNS THERMAL

• FIRST AID TREATMENT
• If skin is broken and blistered
• DO NOT apply ice, water, or ointment!
• DO apply sterile non-adherent bandage (second
  skin) and transport
  
• If skin is not broken and blistered,
• Apply ice packs or cold water compresses
  followed by an anesthetic cream (lanacaine)
  

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BURNS CHEMICAL

• CHEMICAL BURN SYMPTOMS
• If fur present it may feel like thickened area
  under the hair coat
  
• Animal may lick or scratch at the area
• Skin may be red, blistered

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BURNS CHEMICAL

• FIRST AID TREATMENT
• Flush areas with copious amounts of water (5
  minutes!) even if the skin is broken
  
• Water dilutes the chemical and helps to flush
  it away from the skin
  
• Pad the area with wet gauze and transport ASAP
• Try to ID the chemical
• Do NOT apply topical meds
• Do NOT let animal lick the area
• It can lead to burns of the mouth and throat
• If burn occurs near or in the eyes, flush with
  sterile saline (contact lens solution)

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ELECTRICAL BURNS

• YOUR SAFETY MUST COME FIRST
• Usually results from chewing electrical cords or
  being struck by lightening
  
• Affects local tissues as well as the heart

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ELECTRICAL BURNS

• SYMPTOMS
• May be local tissue (if chewing a cord) of the
  mouth or may involve deep underlying tissues
  
• Full extent of tissue injury may not be evident
  for several weeks when all of the burned tissue
  sloughs off
  
• May have initial swelling as well as pulmonary
  edema
  
• May have affected heart rate and rhythm
• May be unconscious, not breathing, and/or without
  a heartbeat

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INSECT BITES

• Includes bees and hornet type flying bugs, ants,
  spiders
  
• Can cause an allergic reaction, locally or
  systematically

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INSECT BITES

• FIRST AID TREATMENT
• 1. Locate stinger and remove with tweezers
• 2. Apply ice pack or cold compress
• 3. Monitor for infection (red skin maybe with
  some swelling)
  
• 4. If in doubt, check it out!
• 5. Monitor breathing and possibility of swelling
  around the face and neck or possibly hives
  
• 6. Treat these initially as a systemic allergic
  reaction with possibility of anaphylaxis by
  giving Benadryl
  
• 7. Transport ASAP if systemic reaction is
  occurring

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INSECT BITES

• 8. Watch for symptoms of toxicity over the next
  few days including
  
• Excess salivation
• Irritated skin areas
• Painful areas
• Fever
• Rapid or difficult breathing
• Paleness to gums
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Blood in urine
• Stiffness or paralysis

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TICKS

• Can carry diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted
  Fever, Lyme, Ehrlichia, and Babesiosis
  
• Ticks embed only their mouth parts into the skin.
  It is not possible for a ticks head to get left
  behind in the animals skin but it is possible
  for the area to become infected or irritated and
  swollen. Mouth parts may be left in bite area.
  They are glued into the skin when the tick
  attaches

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TICKS

• FIRST AID TREATMENT
• Best treatment is prevention
• Use flea/tick topical drops or sprays and
  check the animal over after every trip into the
  fields or woodlands Vaccination is helpful
  in high risk areas
• 1. Pull the tick with constant pressure using
  tweezers if possible. Ticked OFF
  
• 2. If available, apply flea and tick spray first
• 3. Do NOT burn or apply any other chemicals to
  the tick while it is in the animals skin
  
• 4. Avoid touching the tick with your bare hands
  and flush it down the toilet
  
• 5. Apply antibiotic ointment to the area if you
  would like

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TICKS

• LYME DISEASE
• Is a bacterial infection transmitted to the
  animal via the deer tick, which is very small,
  similar in size to the head of a pin
  
• SYMPTOMS May Include
• Fever, shifting lameness, lethargy, poor
  appetite, kidney disease, ADR (Aint doin right)

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TICKS

• EHRLICHIOSIS
• Infection transmitted by Brown dog ticks
• SYMPTOMS May Include
• Lethargy, fever, poor appetite, anemia, vomiting,
  diarrhea, bleeding tendencies, ADR

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TICKS

• ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER
• SYMPTOMS may be vague
• Joint pain, hemorrhages, lethargy, fever, poor
  appetite, lameness, ADR

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TICKS

• ANAPLASMOSIS
• SYMPTOMS Joint pain, anemia, lethargy, low
  platelet count. ADR
  
• Formerly known as Ehrlichia Equi

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TICKS

• TREATMENT Need to seek Veterinarians help
• Usually antibiotics,
• Typically Doxycycline.
• PREVENTION IS BEST !

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TICKS

• BABESIOSIS
• SYMPTOMS
• Blood parasite. Anemia, low platelets, may mimic
  autoimmune disease, bleeding, hemolytic anemia,
  kidney failure.
  
• TREATMENT Imidocarb An antibiotic

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SNAKES

• IDENTIFY THE OFFENDING REPTILE IF POSSIBLE
• Non-poisonous bite wound is usually
  multi-toothed and painless and usually appears
  superficial
  
• FIRST AID TREATMENT
• Clip hair, clean wound with iodine type soap
  (Betadine)
  
• Apply dry sterile bandage
• Seek veterinary help (not an emergency) for
  antibiotic treatment as snakes have an extensive
  bacterial flora in their mouths!
  
• Observe animal closely for 6 hours, especially if
  the species of snake is unknown

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SNAKES
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SNAKES

• Poisonous 3 groups of venomous snakes in North
  America
  
• Pit vipers, coral snakes, and colubrids
• All are dangerous - lethality dependent upon
  toxicity and amount of venom,
  
• Size and health of victim, time delay between
  envenomation and medical intervention
  
• Pit viper includes water moccasin, cottonmouth,
  copperhead, and rattlesnake
  
• Characterized by a deep pit located between the
  eye and nostril, elliptical pupils, retractable
  front fangs

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SNAKES

• FIRST AID TREATMENT
• Get the snake off! Pry it or burn it.
• Keep animal calm because high heart rate will
  speed the flow of venom
  
• If bite is on a limb, apply a tourniquet 2 - 3
  inches above the bite Questionable
  
• Should be able to insert 1 finger between
  tourniquet and animals skin
  
• If leg swells, loosen the tourniquet
• Cut 1/2 inch through each puncture Not Recommended

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SNAKES

• Flush wound and squeeze or suction
• Clean with betadine and lots of water
• Cold pack (ice) Not recommended in people
• Transport ASAP
• If bite is not on a limb keep animal calm, and
  transport
  
• Animal may develop respiratory distress or
  digestive upset and may become depressed,
  paralyzed, comatose or may even die en route

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ANIMAL FIGHTS / BITES

• AVOID THEM!
• Keep a close eye on your animal using a leash
  except when working. Watch for the approach of
  other animals whose owners are not as watchful.
  Watch the behavior of the two animals!
• If a fight occurs, do NOT put anything that
  bleeds between the dogs.

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ANIMAL FIGHTS / BITES

• Use a leash or strong stick place it through
  the collar of the attacker and twist it so that
  the collar tightens. He will release his grip.
  Be prepared to quickly use the stick or a two
  hand strong arm to keep the animal from turning
  on you.
• Use the leash as a noose when one animal has a
  vice grip on another, shove a stick between his
  jaws. He will relax only for a moment at which
  time you must quickly pull him off.

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ANIMAL FIGHTS / BITES

• FIRST AID TREATMENT
• Thoroughly go over the animal looking for
  punctures, tears, or matted fur
  
• Clip the hair around the wounds
• Scrub with a betadine type soap
• Anything over 1/2 inch should be seen by
  Veterinarian
  
• Bites on head, limbs, and genitalia or from a
  larger animal may have more serious crushing
  injuries, which will severely damage underlying
  tissues
• Have it checked out! Many doctors will prescribe
  antibiotics

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FRACTURES

• Generally associated with trauma
• Must immediately restrict activity
• May also involve internal bleeding or other life
  threatening injuries.

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FRACTURES

• SYMPTOMS
• Obvious break with bone exposed
• compound or open fracture
• Non-weight bearing on that limb
• Swollen limb or area of leg
• Painful, does not resolve with time
• Fractures of ribs are usually associated with
  difficulty breathing

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FRACTURES

• FIRST AID TREATMENT
• MUZZLE (only if the dog is NOT having trouble
  breathing, or vomiting) Fractures are VERY
  PAINFUL
  
• Wrap dog in a blanket or a towel to restrict
  movement
  
• Use newspaper folded to gently support the
  injured limb
  
• Place dog on a board, crate pan or crate bottom
  (Vari-Kennel) and transport ASAP

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TORN EARS AND HEMATOMAS

• Result from barbed wire, fighting
• Hematoma hemorrhage under the skin, usually
  results from severe head shaking (itchy ears)
  
• Torn ears will bleed profusely
• Head shaking leads to more bleeding

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TORN EARS AND HEMATOMAS

• FIRST AID TREATMENT
• Cold wet compresses applied quickly and firmly to
  ear flap (ice)
  
• Bandage up over the head - bandage right around
  the head and neck (not too tight!)
  
• If hematoma, see a Veterinarian for treatment
  (not an emergency)

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FISH HOOK INJURIES

• Ingested Do not pull on line! It is likely to
  get caught and do internal damage. Go to
  Veterinarian, ASAP
  
• In lip, mouth or body. Push hook through skin,
  cut barb with wire cutters, and back rest of hook
  out.

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BLOAT GDV GASTRIC DILATATION / VOLVULUS

• This is a
• SERIOUS
• Emergency

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BLOAT GDV GASTRIC DILATATION / VOLVULUS

• Distention of stomach with gas or fluid or both
• Rotation of stomach which seals off blood supply
  volvulus or torsion depending on the axis of
  rotation
  
• Extreme pain and is fatal if not treated
  immediately (within 1 hour!)
  
• Often traps the spleen as well
• Causes are many but may include anatomic
  predisposition or anomalies, dry food with excess
  water, exercise closely associated with feeding

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BLOAT GDV GASTRIC DILATATION / VOLVULUS

• PHYSIOLOGY OF THE CONDITION
• Blood return to heart decreases, cardiac output
  decreases, cardiac arrythmias may follow. Toxins
  build up in the dying tissues of the stomach
  lining. Liver, pancreas, small bowel are also
  compromised. Shock from low blood pressure and
  endotoxins rapidly develops. Sometimes stomach
  ruptures leading to peritonitis.

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BLOAT GDV GASTRIC DILATATION / VOLVULUS

• SYMPTOMS May include some or all
• Attempts at belching
• Increased gas noises from abdomen
• Retching or dry heaves
• Distended abdomen (not always visible)
• Restlessness, pacing, crying, stretching out on
  floor
  
• Anxiety followed by depression
• Collapse
• Whites of eyes get red as blood vessels dilate
• Increased respiration rate

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BLOAT GDV GASTRIC DILATATION / VOLVULUS

• FIRST AID TREATMENT
• Call ahead to hospital so they will be prepared
  for immediate action and surgery if necessary
  
• Veterinarian will attempt to decompress the
  stomach and treat for shock
  
• SUGGESTIONS FOR PREVENTION
• (not guaranteed but will increase odds!)
• Feed two or three small meals daily instead of
  one
  
• Elevate feeding bowls
• Discourage rapid eating
• Do NOT exercise within 2 hours of a meal
• Give water in small amounts when associated with
  food or exercise

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BLEEDING

• SYMPTOMS
• Usually associated with trauma.
• Flow of blood helps determine origin
• Spurting-arterial
• Flowing-venous
• Blood loss can cause shock and death

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BLEEDING

• FIRST AID TREATMENT
• Direct pressure on the wound with sterile or
  clean padding
  
• Pressure bandage
• Pressure points, limited to legs hold off artery
• Tourniquet, last resort if applied must transport
  ASAP.

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SHOCK

• SYMPTOMS
• Rapid heart rate 160 beats per minute
• Pale or blue gums
• General weakness
• Collapse

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SHOCK

• FIRST AID TREATMENT
• Breathing? Any obstruction to airway?
• Bleeding? Control
• Heart rate?
• Broken bones?
• Correct worst problem first, CPR, control
  bleeding
  
• Calm animal, keep warm, and transport ASAP

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INJURIES TO THE SKIN

• Commonly associated with some type of trauma.
• Lacerations (cuts) from sharp objects
• Abrasions (scrapes) like road burns
• Punctures blunt objects, projectiles
• Burns

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INJURIES TO THE SKIN

• SYMPTOMS
• Damage to skin
• Openings through skin, exposing tissue below
• Bleeding

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INJURIES TO THE SKIN

• FIRST AID TREATMENT
• Abrasions clean area if dirty and apply topical
  antibiotic
  
• Lacerations clean (irrigate) stop bleeding,
  protection of area, if sutures are needed to
  vet.
  
• Punctures cover and protect, stop bleeding, see
  vet if you believe there is anything inside of
  wound.
  
• Wounds involving chest may compromise respiratory
  function if chest cavity is invaded. "Sucking"
  chest wound Cover with non-porous material, and
  transport
• Tail wounds bandage and tape to fur.
• Sutures usually required if wound is more that
  1/2 - 1 inch long or gaping.

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PAD INJURIES

• Trauma, sharp objects, abrasions,
• Foreign objects, grass awns, metal, glass
• Torn or broken nails
• SYMPTOMS
• Sudden or gradual lameness (could also be higher
  in leg)
  
• Blood from foot

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PAD INJURIES

• FIRST AID
• Pad lacerations clean and bandage transport to
  suture if needed
  
• Torn nail, clip loose pieces, bandage
• Abraded pad. Apply protective agent and bandage
• Foreign objects, thorns, metal, glass remove and
  bandage

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EYE INJURIES

• Environmental, wind, water, dust
• Traumatic, branches, falls
• Foreign material, dirt, plant material
• SYMPTOMS
• Eyes red and runny
• Mucus discharge
• Squinting
• Pawing at eye
• Bluish or gray color to corneal surface

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EYE INJURIES

• FIRST AID TREATMENT
• Rinse eyes if there is no apparent corneal
  injury
  
• Apply topical ophthalmic antibiotic (without
  Cortisone derivatives)
  
• If cornea appears cloudy, blue or
  cut/scratched/perforated, protect eye from
  rubbing and further injury (e-collar) and
  transport to vet for treatment.
• Foreign material in area around eyeball may be
  able to be removed with Q-tip

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FOREIGN BODIES

• Can occur at almost any region of body
• Porcupine quills, splinters, grass awns (seeds)
  fishhooks, bones and sticks in mouth.
  
• Ears, eyes, skin, in nose, ingested
• SYMPTOMS
• Obvious object in body part
• Rubbing eyes, shaking head, lameness
• Vomiting, diarrhea

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FOREIGN BODIES

• FIRST AID TREATMENT
• Remove foreign object if possible
• If unable to remove will need to see vet
• Fish hook Pad additional hooks before trying to
  remove. Push barb thru skin and cut barb off.
  Then back rest of hook out.
  
• Clean and apply topical antibiotic.

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ALLERGIC REACTIONS

• Insect bites / stings
• Food, dust, toxic plants (nettles)
• Drugs and chemicals
• SYMPTOMS
• Itchy, scratching, rashes, urticaria (hives),
  swelling of head / face / throat
  
• Sneezing, runny eyes, reverse sneeze
• Vomiting, diarrhea,
• Difficulty breathing

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ALLERGIC REACTIONS

• FIRST AID TREATMENT
• If topical, wash off and apply topical Benedryl
  or calamine lotion
  
• Administer antihistamines, Benedryl (1-2 mg per
  pound)
  
• Vomiting, diarrhea, bland diet and pepto bismol.

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VOMITING AND DIARRHEA

• Diet
• Food poisoning
• Dietary indiscretions

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VOMITING AND DIARRHEA

• FIRST AID TREATMENT
• Take temperature. If over 103, prompt treatment
• If abdominal pain or "bloating" seek vet ASAP
• Check for dehydration, gums sticky, skin "tents"
  when pulled up and released
  
• Vomiting, pepto bismol, withhold water for 4-6
  hours, food for 6-12 hours
  
• Small amounts of water when offered. Wait 30-60
  minutes and if no further vomiting, may offer
  more.
  
• Bland diet, boiled Hamburg, chicken or turkey and
  boiled rice, or pasta. Mix 5050 and offer small
  amounts 1/2 - 1 cup at a time.
  
• If vomiting and / or diarrhea are protracted,
  seek veterinary attention.

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DROWNING

• SYMPTOMS
• Not breathing, water immersion, lifeless.
• FIRST AID TREATMENT
• Artificial respiration, mouth to nose with
  animal's mouth closed.
  
• Compress chest to expel water
• Check throat for obstruction
• Keep head down to try to get rid of water.

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CHOKING

• Rare in animals unless food chunks, foreign
  material, bones, sticks, grass, water (drowning)
  
• SYMPTOMS
• Coughing, gagging,
• Increased breathing sounds
• Gasping for breath
• Sudden collapse, blue gums, no breathing.

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CHOKING

• FIRST AID TREATMENT
• Try to check and clear any material from animal's
  throat
  
• Heimlich maneuver
• Try to calm animal
• Artificial respiration / CPR Transport to vet ASAP

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CPR
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POISONINGS

• Various sources, ingestion, inhalation
• Antifreeze
• Chocolate
• Dead animals, plants, most animals will not eat
  caustics. Pest baits
  
• Accidental ingestion of prescription drugs
• Ingestion of contraband
• Sitting in car or truck with engine running
  (carbon monoxide)

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POISONINGS

• SYMPTOMS
• None to caustic burns to vomiting and diarrhea.
• Difficulty breathing
• Unconsciousness.
• Depression, cherry red gums, muscle twitch
  (carbon monoxide)

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POISONINGS

• Induce vomiting. Hydrogen peroxide 1-2 tbsp
  (DOG), 1 tsp (Cat) hydrogen peroxide, orally,
  repeat in 10 minutes up to 3 times. DO NOT USE
  SALT
• Delay absorption, egg whites, milk, vegetable
  oil, and activated charcoal.
  
• Wash poison off coat and skin
• Antifreeze. Induce vomiting give grain alcohol
  and transport to vet.
  
• Chocolate, contains stimulant that can cause
  heart failure, seizures
  
• Carbon monoxide, move to fresh air, artificial
  respiration

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SEIZURES

• Various causes, neurological problem,
• Can occur from excitement, metabolic problems,
  drugs, and trauma, organic
  
• Brain disorders, infections, high temperature.
• SYMPTOMS
• Involuntary twitching, stumbling, convulsions,
  incoordination
  
• Animal may seek out owner prior to seizure

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SEIZURES

• FIRST AID TREATMENT
• Try to prevent animal from injuring self or
  others
  
• May try to calm animal down if seizure not
  severe
  
• If temperature high, cool down.
• If seizures continue, need to transport to vet

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HYPOTHERMIA, FROSTBITE

• Prolonged exposure to cold air and water
  temperatures
  
• SYMPTOMS
• Sluggish
• Low body temperature
• Weakness
• Frostbite, usually on ears, tail, nose

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HYPOTHERMIA, FROSTBITE

• FIRST AID TREATMENT
• Wrap animal in blanket, and warm with gentle
  heat
  
• Frostbite. Warm frozen areas with moist heat.

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FIRST AID KIT

• INFORMATION
• Your name and emergency contact person as well
  as your animals
  
• Veterinarian and vaccination history (especially
  copy of rabies certificate!)

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FIRST AID KIT

• Gauze sponges 3x3 or 4x4 30
• Gauze bandage roll
• Vet wrap
• Small pair of panty hose
• 1-inch adhesive tape
• Sterile pads such as Telfa
• Nonstick pads such as Second Skin or New Skin for
  burns
  
• Antibiotic ointment
• Betadine
• Rubbing alcohol or alcohol wipes
• Eye wash or contact lens saline solution for eye
  rinse

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FIRST AID KIT

• KY jelly or Vaseline
• Bandage scissors
• Tweezers or forceps
• Hemostats
• Wire cutters or "Leatherman" tool (has pliers,
  wire cutters, knife, etc.)
  
• Ziploc Baggies for ice packs
• Old wash clothes for washing big areas
• Oral syringe
• Latex gloves
• Thermal or heat packs
• Commercial ice packs like those used for sports
  injuries

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FIRST AID KIT

• Splints or you can use sticks or newspaper
• Nail clipper
• Bulb syringe
• Rectal thermometer
• Cotton swabs and cotton balls
• Safety pins
• Triangular arm bandage cravat
• Razor blade or 22g needle for splinters
• Skin Stapler

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FIRST AID KIT

• MEDICINES
• Honey
• Pepto bismol caplets 1 caplet per 15lbs
• Pepto liquid 65 lb dog 3-4 tablespoons every 6
  hrs
  
• Benedryl 1-2 mg/lb every 8 hrs 65lb dog
  (2-4) 25mg tabs every 8 Hrs
  
• Aspirin 5mg per lb every 12 hrs (1) 325mg tab
  per 40 lb, every 12 hrs
  
• Hydrogen peroxide (10-30ml) every 10-15 min to
  induce vomiting
  
• Imodium 1 capsule per 40 lbs every 12 hours for
  diarrhea

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FIRST AID KIT

• SUGGESTIONS FOR DOG KIT
• CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN
• Ear cleaner such as Chlorhexiderm Flush or
  Otomax
  
• Panalog type ointment for hot spots or ear
  infections
  
• Cortisone type spray such as Hydro Plus
• Eye ointment for emergencies

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USEFUL INFORMATION

• 1 TSP 5 ml
• (usually how measurement is made on a syringe)
• 1 TBSP 15ml
• NORMAL VALUES
• Temp. 99.5 - 102.2 F (Dog) 100-101.5 F (Cat)
• Pulse 60 - 120 beats per minute
• Respiration 14 - 22 per minute

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SKUNK ODOR REMOVAL FORMULA

• A formula for neutralizing skunk spray developed
  by Illinois chemist Paul Krebaum
  
• 1 quart of 3 hydrogen peroxide,1/4 cup of
  baking soda1 teaspoon of liquid soap.
  
• Apply it to the sprayed areas, then wash off with
  tap water. The solution must be mixed as needed
  it can't be contained in a bottle.