First Aid Flashcards
1
Q
What are the basic rules of first aid
A
Don’t panic
Maintain the airway
check circulation and contol the haemorrhage
Contact ASAP
2
Q
Life threatening emergencies
A
Garstric torsion
Poisoning by bleach/antifreeze
Haemorrage
Electric shock
3
Q
Non Life threatening emergency
A
Prolapsed eye
fracture
RTA
Bleeding ear tip
4
Q
Minor emergencies
A
Poisoning by contraceptive pill
5
Q
Describe the recovery position
A
Put animal in right lateral recumbency
Ensure head and neck are extended
Draw tongue forward so hangs out side of animals mouth
Remove any collar or harness
6
Q
Describe the information you need to give the veterinary surgeon regarding a treated first patient?
A
Exact nature of injury
Extent and degree of injury
When did accident occure
Age/sex/breed
Owner details i.e. contact number
Location of patient including ETA
7
Q
Describe how you would handle and transport a large dog with a suspected spinal injury
A
Any restraint should be careful not to cause any movement of the spine or hind limbs,
the patient should be encouraged to remain immobile
Transportation should be on a stretcher or spinal board ( nb. Patient not to be rolled onto the stretcher)
8
Q
One piece of restraining/handling equipment for an aggressive cat
A
towel
cat muzzle
crush cage
9
Q
One piece of restraining/handling equipment for an aggressive
A
muzzle
dog catcher
10
Q
One piece of restraining/handling equipment for a budgie
A
towel
pencil
11
Q
One piece of restraining/handling equipment for a Kestrel hawk
A
gauntlets
hood
12
Q
Venous haemorrhage
A
Dark red blood, little spurting, definite bleeding point
13
Q
List 3 measures to arrest haemorrhage
A
direct digital pressure,
pressure bandage,
pressure points,
14
Q
Atipamazole
A
Reversal of alpha2 sedative
15
Q
Atropine
A
Treatment of bradycardia
16
Q
Calcium gluconate
A
Hypocalcaemia - eclampsia
17
Q
Diazepam
A
Treatment of seizures
18
Q
Dopamine
A
Increases force of myocardial contractions
19
Q
Doxapram
A
Respiratory and CNS stimulant
20
Q
Frusemide
A
Acute pulmonary oedema
21
Q
Glucose (Dextrose)
A
Glucose (Dextrose) Hypoglycaemic coma
22
Q
Lidocaine without epinephrine
A
Treatment of arrhythmias
23
Q
Naloxone
A
Naloxone Opioid antidote
24
Q
Sodium bicarbonate
A
Metabolic acidosis
25
What does the abbreviation VPIS stand for
Veterinary poisons information service
26
What is the name of the substance found in chocolate that is poisonous to animals?
theobromine
27
What is the correct procedure for removing non-oily compounds from an animal’s coat?
Wash with copious amounts of water
28
what is used to sooth wasp stings?
Acetic acid
29
Comminuted fracture
bone is involved is broken into several pieces (at least 3)
30
Describe the appropriate first aid treatment for a dog with a fractured radius and ulna
observe ABCs, and monitor for signs of shock, keep animal immobilised and support fracture using a folded towel. , monitor for signs of other injury
31
Define hypothermia
body temperature below the normal range
32
appropriate first aid measure for hyperthermia
Soak the coat by pouring over cool water
Use fans to cool the animal
Place cool wet towels over the patient
33
What is the definition of a reducible hernia ?
one which can be replaced easily
34
A frantic owner is on the telephone informing you that her dog is having an epileptic fit – what advice do you give?
Put the pet in a dark quiet room
Remove any items that the animal could injure itself on
Do not touch the dog but remain nearby
Stay calm – keep family members away from dog
Time the length of the fit
If fit continues for more than 5-10 minutes must be seen!
Reassure the animal following the seizure
35
In which circumstance would you use Doxapram drops in the practice?
Doxapram is used to stimulate breathing it may be used to aid in the resuscitation of neonates or apnoeic animals.
36
Stertor
noise associated with inspiration, a low pitched heavy snoring or gasping
37
Stridor
higher pitched wheezing associated with inspiration and expiration
38
Give one example of a condition that might cause stertorous breathing
upper airway obstruction such as laryngeal paralysis
39
Describe some signs that might be seen in a patient with an acute airway obstruction
Distress
cyanosis
mouth breathing
collapse
40
Which breeds are predisposed to acute upper airway obstruction syndrome due to their confirmation?
Brachycephalic breeds, eg. bulldog, pug, French bulldog
41
Describe the actions that should be taken if an animal has a foreign body obstructing its airway
Attempt to clear the airway manually by opening the animals mouth and clearing the back of the throat, the Heimlich manoeuvre may be attempted.
Pulse should be monitored and any haemorrhage controlled if present.
Patients may require endotracheal intubation if possible or a tracheostomy may be performed by the VS.
42
Checking Vital signs
Heartbeat
Respiration
Pupil Dilation
Loss of Corneal Reflex
Corneal Glazing
Body cooling/ rigor mortis
43
Dealing with cardiac arrest in practice
intubate patient, place on 100% O2 commence IPPV
Perform cardiac compressions - 1-2 compressions per second
cardio respiratory stimulant drugs i.e. adrenaline, doxopram
Defibrillator may be utilised if available
44
IPPV
Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation
45
Shock
Causes: severe haemorrhage, infection, dehydration, poisons etc
Signs of shock: Pale MMs, slow CRT, increased resp rate, rapid feeble pulse, cold moth, limbs, tail. Convulsions and collapse
First aid:
Keep patient warm & comfortable, control any haemorrhage, reduce stress, reassure patient, fluid therapy under direction of VS, oxygen
46
Haemorrhage
Signs if life threatening: pale MM's, rapid weak pulse,slow CRT, subnormal temperature
Evaluation- type of vessel damaged, is bleeding visible or internal, TPR
First aid - digital pressure, pressure bandage, pressure points,tourniquet
47
Primary haemorrhage
Haemorrhage as a direct result of a blood vessel being damaged
48
Secondary haemorrhage
Haemorrhage that restarts after injury due to infection
49
Reactionary haemmorhage
Haemorrhage that restarts after 24hrs due to an increase in BP that displaces clot formation
50
Digital pressure
using fingers to control bleeding,
take care to ensure there is no foreign body in the wound as would push it in further
51
Pressure bandage
These are applied to extremeties such as limbs.
Used to constrict the surface circulation temporarily, helping limit blood loss
Where there is a foreign body - a ring bandage can be used to apply pressure without pushing object deeper into wound
52
Pressure points
Pressure is applied to an artery where it passes over a bone to the body extremeties
Brachial artery
Femoral artery
Coccygeal artery
53
Tourniquet
Cuts off circulation to tissues below its application site
Should not be done
54
Open Wound
where injury causing break in the covering of the body
55
Closed Wound
no break in the body covering (this covers everything from minor bruising to damage to internal organs
56
Avulsed Wound
any wound in which a flap of skin has been forcibly pulled away
57
Incised Wound Characteristics
Edges clean cut and clearly defined
Usually bleed freely
often penetrate deeply
Heal quickly
Caused by a sharp instrument
58
Lacerated wound characteristics
Irregular shape, jagged edges
Edges gape as skin has been torn away
Little haemorrhage due to ragged tearing of the blood vessels
Severity depends on depth
slow healing & extensive scarring
Caused by blunt intrument
59
Puncture wound characteristics
wound is small but often leads to a deep narrow track
often become infected
skin wound can heal trapping infection and causing skin abscesses
very little haemorrhage
caused by thin, long needle
60
Abrasion
any graze or wound which does not cover the entire skin thickness
Very painful as cover a large area of nerve endings
rarely serious
haemorrhaging is limited to capillary ooze
61
Gastric Dilation Volvulous
life threatening condition often associated with large, deep chested dogs
Causes- over eating, over drinking, exercise close before and after a meal, rolling after a meal
Signs: Restlessness, swelling, breathing becomes laboured, collapse, shock and death
in practice- pass a stomach tube
pierce the abdominal wall (VS)
62
Genito-urinary system - Kidney
Symptoms may vary depending on location of disease or injury within the urinary tract
Causes - traumas, Back pressure, infection, poisoning
Signs - abdominal pain, elivated temp, oliguria and haematuria
first aid - no specific, keeps amples, IVFT
63
Dystocia
Signs
Bitch has exceeded 70 days from last mating - not showing signs of parturition (cat 65 days)
dam unsettles but strains frequently
black/green discharge with no signs of parturition
there has been a decline of rectal temperature and parturition has not commenced within 48 hours
several foetuses have been produced, last more than 2 hours ago and more are expected
First aid
Seek VS
May need to prep for a caesarean
64
Hypocalcaemia (eclampsia)
low plasma concentration of calcium related to calcium loss in milk and poor dietary calcium availability
Most commonly seen in bitches just before or after whelping a litter
Symptoms
Occurs late pregnancy/early lactation
Restlessness/ panting
increases salivation/stiff gait
muscle tremors, pyrexia, tachycardia
tetany & death if untreated
First aid- VS, IV access required, VS will give calcium gluconate IM, follow up dietary changes/ supplements may be required
65
Caring for the neonate
newborns poikilothermic
must be kept at 25-30 degrees for first few days
if animal does not show interest in her young -
place newborn on a warm clean towel
peel membranes from around the pups head then body. Cut the cord.
after wiping fluid from face, rub vigorously to stimulate breathing
if not breathing, support head, cradle in towel ad swing in an arc to expel fluid
rub vigorously until cries/breathes
always check for abnormalities
66
poikilothermia
the inability to regulate core body temperature
67
General signs of injury to the eye
blepharospasm - eyelids screwed up against the light
Photophobia - hatred of lights
Epiphora - tear production is increased/may overflow the eyelids
sclera and conjunctiva are often inflamed
self trauma
68
Prolapsed eyeball
never attempt to push back in
keep lubricated with either contact lens saline, sterile saline, false tears
keep quiet and comfortable
prevent self trauma - use buster collar
VS asap
Treat for shock
69
Foreign body in eye
if non penetrating, try to flush out with tepid water or saline
if cannot be removed by flushing, do not pull out - seek VS
70
Chemical splashes
eye should be thoroughly flushed with sterile saline or water
liquid parrafin should be used if hot fat is in the eye to stop it from congealing
get VS
cover eye with sterile gauze swab to prevent further interference
71
Trauma to ear resulting in bleeding
apply pressure with absorbent pads on both sides of ear flap for several minutes
dont remove pads: place ear against head and bandage to head
see VS if extensive
72
Foreign body in ear
if obviously visible, remove using tweezers
if unsuccessful, warmed olive oil or liquid paraffin can be poured into ear to alleviate discomfort
don't give food as may require an anaesthetic
73
Nasal trauma resulting in epistaxis
Dont apply muzzle as may have difficulty breathing
treat any dyspnoea
apply external cold compress
keep under observation for delayed concussion
74
Nasal trauma foreign body
if visible through nostril can be carefully removed
if not visible but purulent discharge see a vet
75
Seizures, fits and convulsions
epilepsy - initial restlessness, ictal phase of seizure, following attack will rise and wander around aimlessly
76
Causes of fits
Poisoning, underlying disease, rabies (unlikely in household pet)
77
Grand mal seizure
A grand mal seizure causes a loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions. It's the type of seizure most people picture when they think about seizures
78
petit mal seizures
petit mal seizures, are brief, usually less than 15 seconds, and they have symptoms that may be barely noticeable
79
status epilepticus
a dangerous condition in which epileptic fits follow one another without recovery of consciousness between them.
80
First aid for seizure
stay calm
time the seizure
make room dark and quiet
move anything may hurt itself on
stay in room but do not touch
if patient shows cyanosis tongue may be obstructing the pharynx - never put hand in mouth as may be bitten
81
hypoglycaemic coma
occurs when a diabetic animal suffers a sudden decrease in amount of circulating glucose available
can occur if too much insulin is given
First aid
give glucose solution 1-2 tablespoons orally
(can use honey)
if animal loses consciousness, rub glucose into gums
get VS
Treatment at surgery
IV glucose injection
Oral glucose solution administered
82
Fly Strike
usually affects rabbits/old dogs/cats
occurs when blowfly lays eggs within heavily soiled fur - these then hatch into maggots
First aid - remove large maggots, apply barrier cream to wounds, clip away hair, clean wounds, spray insecticide around wound
83
Burns & scalds
Burn- dry heat
Scald- i.e. boiling water
Clinical signs
Redness and heat
Swelling (dont often see blisters
Pain (superficial more painful)
loss of fur
First aid action
cool and flush
keep patient warm
dress wound
restrict animals movement
comfort
IV Fluids
84
Electrocution
signs collapse at site
if alive whole body is still and twitching
muscles of face may be spastically contracted
breathing sharp and short - may scream with every exhilation
First aid-
Always switch off the mains
Check airways and heartbeat
start cardiac massage if no heartbeat
check for signs of electric burns
if recovers, monitor resp & pulse get to vet ASAP even if seems fine
85
Fractures
```
signs
shortening of limbs
deformity
abnormal position of bone or joint
crepitus
```
First aid
Minimise movement of fracture fragments
86
Spinal fractures
muzzle if necessary
put onto flat board and strap down - dont put pressure on neck
do not turn over
get to vet ASAP
87
Limb fractures
muzzle if necessary
slide a folded towel under the limb to provide support during movement
if open - dont apply anything. cover exposed area with clean gauze or clean tea towel
Support fracture site but allow animal to find comfortable position
if haemorrhage try to control - digital pressure take care,
88
Dislocation
can be through inhereted defects or aquired through accidents
```
Signs -
loss of function
deformity
pain
limited movement
swelling at joint
crepitus
```
```
first aid
rest
do not feed (may need anaesthetic)
do not attempt to replace joint
VS pain relief
```
89
Heatstroke/ hyperthermia
signs
distress, excessive panting
Cyanosis
Body temp keeps increasing
Collapse and comatose
First aid
```
remove from hot environment
put in cool bath
(make sure soaks through to skin)
apply cold towels
take rectal temp every 5 mins
```
continue cooling until temp has fallent to below 39.4 degC
VS direct- clip fur, cooled IV fluids, sedation or cold enemas
90
Hypothermia
```
Signs
lethargy and sleepiness
Weak movements
feels cold to touch
coma
death
```
First aid
```
Direct warmth in kennel
lots of blankets
if wet, dry with towels
warm IV fluids
direct heat not always suitable
```
91
Poisons
```
VN
take extensive history
give appropriate advice over phone
thoroughly examine patient
reserve ant faeces, vomit, urine
```
VPIS
Common clinical signs - vom, diarrhoea, disorientation, collapse, convulsions, ataxia, profuse salivation
92
Insect stings
Stings in the mouth can cause swelling, salivation and discomfort
stings in the pharynx could swell enough to obstruct the airway
animal may paw at its mouth
severe allergic reaction may result in difficulty breathing/ collapse
first aid-
try to scrape away before it embeds into the skin
if been there for a few minutes - remove with tweezers
Bee sting- bicarb solution
Wasp stings- vinegar solution
93
Snake Bites
signs
trembling, excitement, vomiting, collapse, drooling
First aid
minimise movement
if bite wound visible wash thoroughly
if limb bitten try to keep below heart
get to VS
in practice
```
IV fluids
antiB's
analgesics
anti-venom
O2 & treat if in shock
```
94
List 3 symptoms that may occur if the animal has injury to the mouth, tongue or oesophagus
dysphagia, salivation, pawing at mouth, rubbing face, malodour
95
Describe how the Heimlich manoeuvre may be performed on a medium sized dog
Suspend the animal from its hind limbs, give a sharp blow to the area just above the xiphisternum (can be repeated up to 4 times),
alternatively sharp compressions to the thorax can be attempted.
96
What are the clinical signs of hypothermia?
lethargy, weakness, pale and cold extremities, bradycardia, may lead to coma and death
97
Describe three ways in which a patients body temperature can be supported/increased
Place patient in a warm room, insulated kennel, may use incubator or bair hugger, warmed iv fluids under direction of VS
98
How often should the patients body temperature be checked during recovery?
at least every 10 mins intially
99
List 5 household items/chemicals that have the potential to be poisonous to pets
onions, chocolate, grapes, antifreeze, slug bait, lillies, xylitol-sweetener, macademia nuts, paracetamol, ibuprofen etc.
100
List the first aid measures required to treat an animal that has rolled in oily paint
Ensure further ingestion is prevented by applying a buster collar/preventing grooming,
remove paint using an oily substance such as cooking oil or swarfega,
use detergent to wash and then rinse the animal, finally rinse thoroughly with water
101
Where can information regarding veterinary poisons be obtained by veterinary practices?
VPIS vets now Tox Box database.
102
Describe the signs that might be seen in an animal following an adder bite
The wound may be difficult to see initially, panting, trembling, excitement, drooling, tachycardia, dilated pupils, may lead to collapse, later signs of tissue necrosis(black) and bruising at wound site
103
Describe the first aid measures appropriate for a cat with a wasp sting
Keep the animal calm and monitor abcs,
if possible remove the sting by levering it out,
apply an ice pack, monitor for signs of anaphylaxis,
the patient may need a buster collar,
104
Describe the signs that might be shown by a cat with a urethral obstruction
Abdominal discomfort,
dysuria, haematuria, tachyuria,
anuria, anorexia, ( may progress to shock, vomiting, collapse)
105
What signs might be associated with acute renal failure due to poisoning?
Abdominal pain
Elevated temperature
Oliguria (too little) and haematuria
Depression/anorexia
106
What signs might a patient with bladder rupture display?
Shock and pale mms, Collapse, No urine is passed
107
List 3 causes of dysuria
Cystitis
Bladder tumour
Urethral obstruction
108
Define dystocia
Difficulty giving birth
109
What is considered as an acceptable ‘normal’ time gap between the delivery of successive puppies during labour?
No more than 2 hrs
110
Name one drug that may be administered to puppies to stimulate respiration
doxapram
111
Why is it important to keep neonates warm?
They are poikilothermic when born (unable to regulate own body temperature)
112
List the equipment required to prepare for a caesarean section
```
Surgical op kit, drapes,
gloves
gowns,
anaesthetic machine,
theatre prep, consent form, towels, incubator, crash kit
```
May include iv fluids, catheters, drugs at direction of VS
113
What is paraphimosis
Inability to retract the penis back into the prepuce, can occur in dogs and cats
114
In which category of emergency does eclampsia fall?
Life threatening emergency
115
Eclampsia in dogs is caused by
inadequate calcium
116
Describe the correct method of transporting an animal with a spinal injury
Use a spinal board or similar, do not allow the animal to walk, (extreme care should be taken when moving any animal with a suspected spinal injury)
117
List the signs that an epileptic animal may display in the pre-ictal phase
Restlessness, seeking affection and reassurance
118
List 2 drugs that are available for the treatment of seizures in dogs and cats
Diazepam, midazolam,
| propofol
119
A dog has presented with a large thorn protruding from its cornea. Describe the correct first aid measures
Prevent dog from further traumatising the eye eg use of buster collar,
keep calm, do not remove the thorn!, contact VS (may require topical/general anaesthesia for assessment and removal)
120
Explain why glaucoma should be treated urgently
Increased intra-ocular pressure can lead to irreversible damage to the retina leaving the animal blind (this is also a painful condition for the patient)
121
How can you protect a prolapsed eyeball from further injury whilst waiting for treatment?
Apply buster collar and keep patient calm
| Keep eye moist by flushing with sterile saline and applying damp sterile gauze
122
Explain how you would deal with a spurting haemorrhage from a cats pinna.
A spurting haemorrhage is likely to be the result of injury to an artery.
Use pressure to attempt to slow the bleeding and apply a pressure bandage to the pinna using dressing pads on either side of the ear.
Must be seen by the VS for further treatment.
