Dog First Aid - General Intestinal First Aid Situations & Electrocution Flashcards
What is GDV?
Gastric Dilation Volvulus is an extremely serious condition. It occurs when the stomach becomes enlarged through a build-up of gas and then twists along its long axis. Gas then continues to build up because both entry and exit points in the stomach are blocked. This usually causes a very sudden, rapid onset of clinical signs.
GDV principally affects large breed, deep-chested dogs. For example: Irish Wolfhounds, Spinones, Chow Chows, Irish Setters. However any dog can be affected so it is important that all dog owners are able to recognise the signs.
Causes and Signs of GDV?
- Causes:
- Dogs that eat food rapidly are more highly represented.
- Exercising too quickly before and especially after a meal – typically seen when dogs have been exercised 1 hour before and 1 hour after being fed.
- The anatomy of the large, deep-chested breeds mean that they are more predisposed to this condition.
- Signs:
- Restlessness in the early stages.
- Abdominal pain.
- Retching (but they are unable to vomit because the stomach has twisted).
- Salivating (a sign of nausea).
- Distended stomach (although this may be difficult to see in deep-chested breeds).
- Rapid, weak pulse rate.
- Rapid respiration rate.
- Very severe hypovolaemic shock.
*Whilst these are the typical signs, not all dogs show every symptom. If you are in the least bit worried CALL THE VET.
Treatment and Prevention of GDV
Treatment:
- IMMEDIATE veterinary attention.
- This condition commonly occurs in an evening after the dog has had its meal. Fatalities are common because owners do not like to call the vet out of normal working hours but DO NOT DELAY in contacting your vet no matter what time it is.
- Once at the vets, the veterinary surgeon will need to give emergency treatment. This involves stabilising the dog with drugs and intra-venous (into the vein) fluid therapy. They will decompress the stomach to release the gas followed by surgery to anchor the stomach back to the correct position.
Avoiding GDV:
- Do not exercise a dog 1 hour before or 1 hour after feeding.
- Use a “Go Slower” food bowl for dogs that gulp down their food quickly.
- There is evidence to suggest that elevated bowls increase a dog’s risk of bloat—especially for large or giant breeds.
Vomiting
- Causes
- Regurgitation
- Treatment
Vomiting may be preceded by nausea. This is demonstrated by hyper-salivation and licking of the lips.
Vomiting is the evacuation of the contents of the stomach, accompanied by forceful retching and contractions of the abdomen.
Causes:
- Foreign bodies ( e.g. a ball, toy or other foreign article).
- Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach).
- Bacterial or viral infections.
Poisons.
- A symptom of other systemic illness (e.g. kidney, liver disease).
*Regurgitation is a much more passive evacuation of food and can be normal in some circumstances. If the frequency increases veterinary attention should be sought as there are some medical conditions that can give rise to regurgitation such as oesophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus). Vomiting and diarrhoea together can lead to rapid dehydration through loss of body fluids.
Treatment:
The basic treatment is going to be the same as dealing with diarrhoea although if the dog cannot keep anything down it is likely that they will become quickly dehydrated. Therefore if there are more than 3 bouts of vomiting within a 12 hour period, veterinary attention should be sought.
For both cases, seek immediate veterinary advice if:
- The dog is severely depressed.
- There was a very rapid onset of symptoms.
- There is evidence of blood.
- There are more than 3 bouts of vomiting and or diarrhoea in a 12 hour period.
- There is any suspicion that they have ingested a toxin or foreign body.
- Any evidence of abdominal pain or distension.
- Any suspicion of a GDV.
Diarrhoea
- Causes
- Treatment
Diarrhoea is an increase in the liquidity and frequency of the faeces and can originate from the small and large intestine.
Causes:
There are a wide range of causes including:
- Bacterial infection (e.g. salmonella, campylobacter).
- Viral infections (e.g. Parvo virus).
- Parasites.
- Dietary imbalances.
- Inflammatory conditions.
- Stress related.
Treatment:
- If the dog appears bright in themselves, in the first instance you should not feed them their normal daily ration. However recent evidence suggests that we should not starve them for prolonged periods. Instead we should use a rehydration nutritional support drink (available from your vet and useful to have in your first aid medicines store). This helps prevent the breakdown of the normal gut barrier and provides them with energy without upsetting the gut further.
- Give them plenty of opportunity to go outside to relieve themselves.
- Observe faecal appearance – look at the colour, presence of blood, parasites and unusual smells. Report these signs to your vet immediately.
- If they remain bright and the diarrhoea clears up within 12 hours gradually introduce their normal food ration over 3 – 5 days.
- If they do not show signs of improvement after 24 hours or worsen at any time, seek veterinary attention.
Other treatment:
- Offer small amounts of white meat with white rice or white rice water instead of their usual food. If there is no further diarrhoea, feed small amounts every two hours and then gradually mix in their usual food over 24 hours before giving them a normal meal. Continue to monitor their poop.
- Probiotics or plain yogurt
- Encourage your dog to drink, diluting some stock in water to encourage this if needed. But if your dog’s diarrhoea is accompanied by vomiting, do not let them drink too much at once as this may make them sick again. Instead, give cooled, boiled water little and often.
Dehydration
- Causes
- Signs
- Treatment
Dehydration is condition caused by the loss of body fluid from the system. It happens when the dog is losing more fluids than they are taking in.
Causes
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Burns (due to blistering and extensive damage to the skin)
- Hyperthermia
- Haemorrhage (as blood is made up of water content)
- Deprivation of drinking water
*A common cause of rapid dehydration is when a dog has vomiting and diarrhoea. These are symptoms of a number of different conditions and diseases.
*SEEK PROMPT VETERINARY ATTENTION: 5-6% dehydration can cause illness and 10 to 15% dehydration can lead to shock and death.
Signs
- Dry mucous membranes
- Skin turgor reduced to complete loss of turgor (depending on % dehydration)
- Eyes sunken
- Pulse rate rapid, weak and thready
- Signs of shock
Treatment
- Contact the vet for immediate advice
- Carry out immediate first aid (e.g. arrest the haemorrhage, cool and cover the burn with a sterile dressing, keep the patient warm etc.).
- In all cases, prompt veterinary attention is required
Electric Shocks & Electrical Burns
- What to do?
- Electrical and Fire hazards
Burns, caused by chewing wires, occur around the mouth. These burns can be treated in the usual way.
*All cases of electric shock should be checked out by your veterinary surgeon, even if the dog appears to be fine afterwards.
The most serious injury caused by chewing through electrical wires is electrocution which can cause cardiac arrest and subsequent death.
What to do?
*FIRSTLY, ensure your own health and safety
- If the plug is undamaged, switch off the power supply and unplug. Otherwise shut off the power using the fuse box.
- If the dog has still got wires in its mouth and you cannot access the power source, BEFORE ATTENDING to the dog, stand on something dry and non-conductive such as dry newspapers, a telephone book or wooden board.
- Separate the dog using a non-conductive object such as a wooden or plastic handled implement, chair or rubber doormat.
- Assess the dog (ABC).
- If there is no response start cardiac massage.
- Contact your veterinary surgeon.
Electrical and Fire hazards:
Pet proofing the house is important. Here are a few things to consider:
- Keep any wires and cables out of harms way – Puppies are most at risk as they can be inquisitive and tend to chew when exploring. However, older dogs may also chew through wires and cables too. This is a cause of electrocution which can be fatal.
- Don’t leave appliances like washing machines or dishwashers running while you’re out – Household appliances can catch on fire!
- Keep pets away from portable heaters – never leave dogs unattended around them as they can cause burns or cause a fire.
- Appliances and plugs should be checked regularly to make sure they’re safe.
Sprains
- Signs
- Treatment
Sprain: when the ligaments within a joint become stretched or damaged. It is generally considered a minor injury but can cause some degree of pain and inflammation.
A ligament is a fibrous band of tissue that connects a bone to another bone.
Common joints affected include the shoulder, knee, carpus and tarsus (equivalent to our wrist and ankle joint).
Signs
- Swelling and inflammation around the joint.
- Typically 50 – 70 % lameness.
- Heat in the joint.
Treatment
- Rest.
- Cold compress.
- Seek veterinary attention if no improvement after 12 to 24 hours.
Strains
- Causes and Signs
- Treatment
Strain: when there is stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon.
A tendon connects muscles to bones.
Common sites of injury include the fore and hind limbs.
Causes and Signs:
- Typically seen when the dog suddenly pulls up in mid-exercise.
- 30-70% lameness depending on the level of injury.
- Tenderness around the muscle.
Treatment:
- Rest.
- Cold compress.
- Seek veterinary attention if no improvement after 12 to 24 hours.
Fractures
A fracture is a complete or incomplete break of bone. For example a crack (sometimes called a greenstick fracture in young dogs) is categorised as a fracture.
Fractured bones are common in cases of trauma, particularly of the long bones in the limbs and the pelvis.
Fractures are not usually life-threatening. However if they damage underlying tissues and organs this can lead to serious complications and possible loss of life.
Assessment of the patient (using the ABC guidelines).
Fractures involving the limbs are generally less serious although are extremely painful and can lead to clinical shock.
*Comminuted fractured femur – Comminuted means broken in more than one fracture line.
Signs:
- Pain – avoid handling or touching the site of injury.
- Lameness and impaired mobility.
- Swelling or bruising on and around the site of injury.
- Abnormal orientation of the limb / affected part.
- A wound overlaying the fracture site or evidence of bone protruding from the wound (known as an open fracture).
Treatment:
- Do NOT attempt to apply a splint to a fractured limb – this will cause the animal more pain and could lead to further complications.
- Let the animal support itself if it is able to do so.
- For multiple fractures of limbs you may need to gently move and transport the animal (refer to handling and restraining in module 1).
- For open fractures, IF POSSIBLE, very gently cover the area with a non-adhesive sterile dressing to prevent infection (wear gloves and avoid touching the site). Remember that this may cause pain so do not attempt it if you are causing more discomfort and stress.
- Limit movement of the patient to prevent further injuries.
- Treat for shock and monitor regularly.
- Seek veterinary attention immediately.
Dislocations
A dislocation is when the two surfaces of bones forming a joint are not aligned properly.
Common joints affected include the hip and elbow joint.
The signs are similar to a fracture and in the first aid situation can be treated in much the same way. However the likelihood of them causing injuries to underlying organs is limited.
Signs:
- Pain – avoid handling or touching the site of injury.
- Lameness and impaired mobility.
- Swelling or bruising on and around the site of injury.
- Abnormal orientation of the limb / affected part.
- A wound overlaying the fracture site or evidence of bone protruding from the wound (known as an open fracture).
Treatment:
- Do NOT attempt to apply a splint to a fractured limb – this will cause the animal more pain and could lead to further complications.
- Let the animal support itself if it is able to do so.
- For multiple fractures of limbs you may need to gently move and transport the animal (refer to handling and restraining in module 1).
- For open fractures, IF POSSIBLE, very gently cover the area with a non-adhesive sterile dressing to prevent infection (wear gloves and avoid touching the site). Remember that this may cause pain so do not attempt it if you are causing more discomfort and stress.
- Limit movement of the patient to prevent further injuries.
- Treat for shock and monitor regularly.
- Seek veterinary attention immediately.
Road Traffic Accidents (RTA)
- Useful tips
- What to do
In many cases the dog will bolt (run away).
The main objective is to calmly and quietly try and catch the dog without causing it more distress. Movements should remain calm and slow.
Here are some useful tips:
- First assess the location the dog is in -is it close to potential hazards such as a busy road? If so be aware of your own safety.
- Try and drive the dog slowly towards a more secure area to make capture easier
- Avoid chasing, shouting, cornering or running towards it as this will cause more distress
- Avoid direct eye contact as it heightens the dog’s arousal and could trigger the flight or an aggressive fight response.
- Adopt a non-aggressive body posture by presenting a low profile, with a side-on approach.
- Do not display gestures that the dog will perceive as threatening, such as waving your hands around or exposing any items of equipment that are being carried as a method of restraint.
What to do?
- In ALL cases, get the patient seen by the veterinary surgeon. Do not delay because, even if the injuries do not appear serious, internal injuries are not always immediately evident.
- Treat for shock by keeping the patient warm and quiet. Do not apply direct heat but do cover them with a life blanket and put on the car heater if transporting them to the vets in a vehicle.
- Attend to any serious life-threatening conditions such as haemorrhage (refer to module 2).
- If possible, check the vital signs (CRT, pulse, respiration) every 5 minutes whilst you are waiting for the vet or whilst you are on your way to the vets. This information should be given to your vet upon arrival.
Signs that a dog has been involved in a road traffic accident include:
In cases where there is uncertainty whether an RTA occurred, for example if a dog has escaped and been found or returned home, there are some tell-tale signs that can help to make an informed assessment.
Signs that a dog has been involved in a road traffic accident include:
- Scuffed claws (caused by being dragged along by a vehicle)
- Wounds and grazes
- Limping/stiffness
- Incoordination (due to head injuries)
- Breathing problems (due to chest injuries/shock)
- Pain (growling, crying, lameness, changed body-posture, aggression)
- Pale gums and other signs of shock
Dog Skeleton
