First Aid For Dogs & Cats Deborah Orr RVN MBVNA
First Aid For Dogs & Cats
Deborah Orr RVN MBVNA
Main Aims
• Preserve Life
• Prevent Suffering
• Prevent the situation deteriorating
• Promote recovery
Personal Safety and Restraint
• Require considered handling – “Scruffing”?
• “Swipes” very common • Handling aids can help• Can calm down when handled
correctly
• Use suitable restraint, at the very least a slip lead• Muzzle, even if friendly for procedures
• Approach slowly and calmly• Quiet, calming voice and body language
CATS DOGS
Triage• Assess the situation
> Danger to the animal AND YOU!> Suitable place for First Aid treatment?> Can the animal be moved?
• Assess the injuries> Life threatening injuries FIRST> Consider the injuries that may be causing pain for handling> Blood does NOT always signify the worst injury
• Treatment Plan
Anatomy and Physiology
Understanding the body functions to assist in
FIRST AID
The Nervous System
• Brain, Spinal Cord, Nerves
• Conscious
• Unconscious
• Reflex Actions
The Respiratory System
• The Lungs
• External Respiration, The Intake of Air
• Gaseous Exchange
The Circulatory System
• Heart, Arteries, Veins
• Functions of Blood
• Blood Cells
The Digestive System
• The Passage of Food
• Digestion
• Waste
The Urinary System
• Parts of Urinary System
• Function of Urinary System
• Healthy Urine
The Reproductive System • Reasons for Neutering
> Disease / Infection> Behavioural> Population Control
• Post Op Care
> General demeanour> Wound checks> Patient interference?
Know What to Look For
The Healthy Animal
Dog Cat
Body Temperature 38.3 – 38.7°C 38.0 – 38.5°C
Pulse Rate 60 – 180 110 – 180
Respiration Rate 10 – 30 20 - 30
Gum Colour + Capillary Refill Time
Pink Gums
< 2 seconds
Pink Gums
< 2 seconds
Temperament Bright, alert, responsive, Bright, alert, responsive, relaxed
Appearance Bright eyes, clean ears and nose, normal coat, normal posture, odour free (!)
Bright eyes, clean ears and nose, normal coat, normal posture, odour free
Behaviour Eating, drinking, urinating and defecating normally, keen to exercise.
Eating, drinking, urinating and defecating normally, easy fluid movement.
The Unhealthy Animal
Watch Out For:
• Diarrhoea / Vomiting / Loss of Appetite
• Straining to Urinate / Defecate
• Change in Behaviour
• Change in Posture
• Unresponsive / Lethargic
Reasonable Protection
– Vaccination / Parasite Control
– Kennel / Run Security and Upkeep
– Trained Handlers – Basic lessons
– Animal Behaviour
– Cleaning Protocols
First Aid Situations
Breathing Difficulties
• Call for help!
• Check Airway
• Conscious Animals
• Unconscious Animals
• Artificial Respiration
• Recognising Death
Circulatory Emergencies • CALMLY Call for Help!
• Internal Bleeding> Bruising
> Care After Surgery
> Shock
• External Bleeding> Severity and Types of Bleeding
> Controlling bleeding
–Direct pressure
–Tourniquets
> Bandaging hints and tips
Poisoning
• Identify the Cause if Possible
• Remove Source
• Induce vomiting if recommended
• Dilute and Absorb
• Symptomatic Treatment
OR
Convulsions
• Do Not Touch!
• Clear Area
• Remove All Stimuli> Light
> Sound
> Touch
• Phases of a Seizure
• Causes> Epilepsy
> Poisoning
> Head Injuries / Tumours
> Systemic Disease
Fights
• Your Safety
• Puncture Wounds
• Infection Highly Likely
• Flush, Flush, Flush!
• Antibiotics If Possible
Fractures
• Very Painful
• Swelling & Immobility
• Transport Carefully
• Chemical Restraint where possible for Splinting
Eye Injuries• Very Uncomfortable and Self
Trauma Common
• Saline Flush Always Useful
• Chemicals should be Flushed Out
• Reduce light levels where possible
Hypothermia • Core body temperature is
below normal • Trauma, collapse, shock • No direct heat!• Insulate the animal
Hyperthermia• Core temperature is above normal• More common in dogs• Move away from heat• Cool with water and fans• Small frequent drinks
• Control environment• Ensure temperature correction gradual• Special care with infants and geriatrics.
Bites & Stings • Identify the cause• Neutralise if origin is known
• Treat the symptoms:> Cool compress to reduce inflammation
> Anti-histamine treatment effective
• In Facial Swelling Observe Breathing
Burns• Cool with water or saline
• Treat for Shock
• Need much higher calorie requirement in recovery
Any Questions?