First Aid is defined as "emergency treatment administered to injured or ill individuals before professional medical care is available". The principles applied are the same for animals as for people, but there are some special situations and problems to consider when dealing with animals.

Animals cannot tell you what has happened or where they hurt, so the caregiver must be observant when evaluating the situation. An age-old axiom in medicine is "First, do no harm". Care must be taken not to cause problems or make existing ones worse when trying to help. Protect yourself when administering first aid to an animal. Even an animal you know may bite or scratch when afraid or injured.

If you hope to be effective in administering veterinary first aid, PLAN AHEAD.

• Purchase or put together a first aid kit.

• Establish a professional relationship with a veterinarian in your area who provides "after hours" emergency services and keep the phone number in an accessible place.
  
  
• Have your veterinarian demonstrate important techniques such as CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), the Heimlich Maneuver for animals, and safe, effective restraint methods.
  
  
• Remain calm! Levelheadedness is imperative. Animals respond best to quiet voices and a slow, soothing approach. Don't waste precious time in a panic!

• Distortion in body position
  
  
• State of consciousness
  
  
• Respiratory distress
  
  
• Pulse rate and quality
  
  
• Color of gums and tongue
  
  
• Evidence of bleeding, internal or external
  
  
• Airway Obstruction

Generally, these animals are unconscious, but take care not to be bitten. Perform the Heimlich Maneuver if the foreign object cannot be reached. If the throat is swollen shut, suspect a severe allergic reaction called "anaphylaxis" and SEEK VETERINARY CARE IMMEDIATELY!

Penetrating Chest Wounds

If there is a penetrating wound to the chest associated with difficulty in breathing:

• Do NOT remove any objects sticking out of the chest!
  
  
• Make an airtight seal over the wound and around any foreign object by applying a cloth or plastic sheet and holding or taping (not too tight!) around the chest.
  
  
• TRANSPORT IMMEDIATELY TO A VETERINARIAN!

• If no pulse or respirations are detected, CPR may be attempted. CPR is a two-phased procedure consisting of mouth-to-nose respiration and heart massage.
  
  
• CPR should only be attempted if veterinary care is not immediately or you feel that the animal will not survive otherwise.
  
  
• Attempt CPR only if your veterinarian has demonstrated for you the proper technique.

Shock is a generally reversible state of massive physiological reaction to bodily trauma, usually characterized by marked loss of blood pressure and depression of vital processes. Signs of shock include:

• Dazed attitude or unconsciousness
  
  
• Low body temperature (dogs and cats average between 101 and 102.5 degrees F.)
  
  
• Rapid, shallow respirations
  
  
• Pale or white gums and tongue

• Control any bleeding
  
  
• Wrap the animal in a blanket to keep it from losing body heat.
  
  
• Transport to a veterinarian immediately. Drugs, oxygen, and intravenous fluids may be necessary to save the animal.

Severely bleeding wounds, deep wounds, and sucking wounds to the chest must be dealt with immediately. Arterial bleeding, the most life-threatening kind of bleeding, is characterized by rhythmic spurting. Venous bleeding is a slower dripping or pooling of blood.

• To control bleeding, apply gentle, steady pressure with clean, absorbent material. Apply a tourniquet loosely only as a last resort.
  
  
• Penetrating or sucking wounds to the chest must be tightly covered to help support adequate respiration. Do NOT remove objects from a chest or abdominal wound. Instead, wrap the object at its entry point with plastic wrap to seal the wound and hold or tape in place. Transport immediately to a veterinary facility.
  
  
• To clean contaminated wounds, flush gently with a stream of cool water or immerse in a cool tub. Then apply a cold compress to actively bleeding wounds or topical antibiotic and clean bandage to less serious wounds.
  
  
• Superficial wounds may be cleaned with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide or salt water (1 tsp. salt in 1 pint warm water is comparable to normal body fluids).
  
  
• Lacerations (cuts through the skin) should be closed as soon as possible to maximize healing and minimize infection.
  
  
• Major wounds should receive veterinary attention immediately. Minor wounds should be examined within 24 hours. Animals are particularly prone to infection and often require antibiotics to facilitate healing.

Fractures are cracks or breaks in bones. Suspect a fracture if the animal refuses to put weight on a leg, if a limb is not in a normal position or is dangling limply. Swelling occurs very quickly over a broken bone in any location. Fractures are categorized as open (bone protruding through the skin) or closed. A major goal of First Aid is to prevent a closed fracture from becoming an open fracture.

• If the bone is exposed, cover with a light bandage to keep it as clean as possible.
  
  
• Move a limb with a suspected fracture as little as possible. While splinting can be done with many fractures, it is simpler to support the leg with a folded towel or blanket before transporting to a veterinarian.
  
  
• Sprains and strains are injuries to the muscles, ligaments, or tendons. Sprains, strains, and dislocated joints can all be difficult to tell from a fracture. Only an X-ray can evaluate this type of injury accurately.

Burns are categorized as thermal, chemical, or electrical.

• For burns that leave the skin intact, wash the area with a gentle stream of cool water or immerse in a cool bath. Then apply a cold compress on the burn to minimize the damage. Do NOT apply oils, creams, or butter to a burn!
  
  
• For full-thickness burns (completely through the skin), cover with a dry cloth or towel and transport to a veterinarian immediately.
  
  
• Always seek veterinary care for a burn. Often the full extent of the burn will not be apparent for several days and they are very prone to infection.
  
  
• Electrical burns may cause only superficial burns in the mouth, but may also cause convulsions or life-threatening heart and lung conditions up to 24 to 48 hours after the incident.

Most allergic reactions seen in animals are due to insect stings, but may also result from foods, vaccines, and other medications. Mild allergic reactions are manifest by moderate pain or itching and localized swelling in the area. First aid for these type of reactions include:

• Remove the stinger if it can be found
  
  
• Apply a cold compress to the area
  
  
• Administer over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl, if recommended by your veterinarian

Food allergies occasionally occur and usually cause stomach upset, cramping, and diarrhea or skin problems.

Contact allergies are caused by grasses and weeds, shampoos, topical insecticides or medicines, and cause only local discomfort.

If you suspect a contact allergic reaction:

• Flush the area with water to remove the offending agent.
  
  
• Pat dry and apply a topical hydrocortisone cream.

Snakebite

While many snakes are nonvenomous, rattlesnakes, copperheads, and water moccasins can cause painful tissue reactions, infection, or shock. Suspect a snakebite if:

• Extreme swelling and pain occurs suddenly, especially when it involves an extremity like a nose or a paw
  
  
• Fang-marks are found on the surface of such a wound (they may or may not be evident)

• Keep the animal warm and quiet
  
  
• Transport immediately to a veterinarian. Steroids and antibiotics are the mainstays of treatment. Antivenin is not readily available in most areas but fortunately is not usually necessary.
  
  
• Do NOT cut the wound and suck out the venom or apply tourniquets. These efforts may cause more harm than good.

Animals cannot sweat like people do to effectively dissipate body heat. Instead, they must pant, a mechanism which works well when the outside temperature is below their normal body temperature.
Heatstroke occurs when the outside temperature exceeds the range of 101 to 102.5 degrees F. and is more common when humidity is high.

Heatstroke causes a reduction of blood circulation which compromises kidney function, swelling of the brain, and a general overheating of body tissues. It has a very high mortality rate and requires immediate attention. Suspect heatstroke if:

• Extreme panting and salivation is observed
  
  
• The animal has an anxious or panicky expression
  
  
• Collapse follows the above symptoms
  
  
• Rectal temperature exceeds 105 degrees F.
  
  
• The animal has been in an enclosed area with poor air circulation such as an enclosed car or room, has been in direct sunlight without access to fresh water, or has been exercising excessively on a hot day

• Immerse the animal in or hose down with cold water.
  
  
• Place ice packs on the head and around the body OR apply rubbing alcohol to the body and extremities but not the head
  
  
• Check the body temperature with a rectal thermometer every 5 minutes and stop heat reduction measures when it reaches 103 degrees F. to avoid overcooling.
  
  
• When the animal regains consciousness, allow it to drink as much cold water as possible
  
  
• Massage the legs vigorously to stimulate circulation and prevent shock
  
  
• Even if the worst seems to be over, see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Often intravenous fluids, steroids and cold-water enemas are often necessary to prevent permanent damage to the brain and kidneys.

Cold exposure or hypothermia is most likely to affect animals which lose body temperature quickly. Especially susceptible are puppies, cats, small breeds of dogs, short-haired, older or injured animals.
Frostbite can occur without suffering serious hypothermia. Areas most prone to frostbite are the tail, tips of the ears, and the footpads.

To treat cold exposure cases:

• Warm the animal slowly by wrapping in a blanket and placing a hot water bottle or a heating pad under the blanket, not directly on the animal
  
  
• A hair dryer may be directed toward the victim for passive warming
  
  
• If the animal does not quickly show signs of consciousness and a normal shivering mechanism, it can be placed in a tub of warm (105 to 110 degrees F.) water until veterinary care is available.
  
  
• Frostbitten tissues appear leathery and hair may appear white; handle these fragile tissues gently. The extent of the damage may not be obvious for several days.

If drowning occurs:

• Hold the animal upside down and squeeze the chest gently but firmly until fluid stops draining.
  
  
• If there is no pulse or respiration and veterinary care is not immediately available, institute CPR and transport.

Seizures may be "grand mal" where the whole body is affected or "petit mal" where only a part of the body is affected. Seizures are the result of abnormal nervous impulses which cause uncontrollable twitching and erratic behavior.

Causes of seizures include:

• Poisoning
  
  
• Head injuries
  
  
• Severe infections
  
  
• Tumors
  
  
• Epilepsy

• Keep the animal away from furniture, stairwells, and sharp objects. Place blankets or cushions around it if possible.
  
  
• Time the length of the seizure episode. Seizures lasting more than 5 minutes may become life-threatening.
  
  
• Do NOT attempt to grasp the tongue. The risk of being severely bitten is greater than the risk of the animal choking.
  
  
• If the seizure episode lasts more than a minute, transport in a blanket for emergency veterinary care.
  
  
• If the seizure is a short one and the animal recovers quickly, place it in a dark, quiet area and offer a moderate amount of food and water.
  
  
• Always report seizure episodes to your veterinarian who can advise you of the necessary steps to take from here.

Dogs and cats have a very efficient vomiting mechanism. Vomiting may be a sign of a very minor problem or a very serious one. Vomiting may or may not be associated with diarrhea.

Causes of vomiting include:

• Sudden changes in diet
  
  
• Intestinal parasites (worms)
  
  
• Bacterial or viral infections
  
  
• Motion sickness
  
  
• Foreign body ingestion
  
  
• Poisoning
  
  
• Kidney failure or other metabolic disorders
  
  
• Special types of stomach or intestinal disorders
  
  
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas gland)

• Withhold all food for 24 hours.
  
  
• Offer small amounts of water frequently or let the animal lick an ice cube.
  
  
• If no vomiting occurs during that 24 hours period of time, begin feeding boiled chicken, turkey, or hamburger with boiled white rice as small, frequent meals, then gradually switch back to its regular food over several days.
  
  
• Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate may be given at a rate of 1/2 to 1 tsp. per 5 pounds of body weight to help settle the stomach. Pepto-Bismol contains aspirin which may be toxic to cats. Your veterinarian can advise you whether or not it should be necessary.

• Symptoms lasting more than 24 hours
  
  
• Vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea
  
  
• Blood is observed in the vomitus or stool
  
  
• Fever
  
  
• Evidence of pain
  
  
• Weakness or collapse
  
  
• Bloating of the abdomen (overfull stomachs, particularly in large, deep-chested dogs, can twist and kill the animal in a very short time)
  
  
• Signs of dehydration are observed (poor gum color, dull, sunken eyes, or decreased elasticity of the skin)
  
  
• Any vomiting or diarrhea in a puppy or kitten should be considered potentially serious.

The eyes are very fragile and subject to a variety of maladies. If you suspect an injury or an infection in an eye, seek veterinary care immediately. Common eye problems include:

• Conjunctivitis (infection of the lining of the eyelids)
  
  
• Corneal abrasions or ulcers
  
  
• Foreign bodies between the eye and eyelids or in the eye itself
  
  
• Glaucoma (increased pressure within the eyeball)

Even a simple injury or infection can get worse fast. Never waste time in having a veterinarian examine an eye problem. Until you can see the veterinarian:

• Remove any foreign material such as plant matter that is visible and reachable under the eyelids
  
  
• Flush the eye gently with water or saline solution if you suspect that noxious fluids or small particles have contacted the eye
  
  
• Keep discharge from the eye from building up by gently wiping the corner of the eye with a moistened cotton ball
  
  
• Prevent the animal from rubbing at the affected eye. Animals frequently cause a minor irritation to become a more serious problem in this manner
  
  
• Apply an antibiotic ointment intended for the eye if possible. This will keep the eye moist and help to prevent infection. Avoid using products containing hydrocortisone on eye injuries until the patient is examined by a veterinarian because healing may be delayed by the cortisone.

• Broken toenails are more painful than dangerous. Controlling resultant bleeding with a styptic powder is usually all that is necessary
  
  
• Broken teeth should be seen by a veterinarian within 24 hours if adequate repair is to be accomplished
  
  
• Nosebleeds may be caused by trauma, foreign bodies, bleeding disorders or intranasal tumors. Keep the animal quiet with its nose elevated until the bleeding stops or you can see the veterinarian for evaluation.

Contributor:
Mary Lamar, DVM
Rolling Hills Veterinary Hospital
Columbia, MO

Copyright 1989 - 2007 MILLER-ROTH
All Rights Reserved
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form without the prior written consent of MILLER-ROTH. MILLER-ROTH shall not be liable for any errors in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

---

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page

LinkExchange Member

Free Home Pages at GeoCities