Loss Of Conciousness Flashcards
‘Brain is depressed’ means what?
The patient is comatose or under GA.
‘Brain is active’ means what?
Convulsions or epilepsy.
What are the three levels of consciousness?
- Conscious collapse - lack of awareness to surroundings.
- Spasticity (rigid) - unconscious collapse.
- Flaccid (relaxed) - unconscious collapse.
What are potential causes of conscious collapse?
Oxygen deprivation - lung collapse.
Circulatory problems - cardiac trauma, hypovolaemic shock.
Abdominal conditions - GDV, splenic torsion.
CNS conditions - brain trauma, vestibular syndrome.
What are potential causes of spastic (rigid) unconscious collapse?
Epileptic fit.
Metabolic dysfunction - hypocalcaemia.
Physical - electrocution.
Poisoning - slug or rat bait.
What are potential causes of flaccid (relaxed) unconscious collapse?
Asphyxia
Metabolic dysfunction - diabetes mellitus.
CNS injury
Poisoning
Signs of concussion - a blow to the head.
Local swelling
Ataxia/vomiting/shock.
Pupils not reacting to light but normal size.
Varied respiration.
Fainting or syncope.
Drowsiness.
Signs of a fracture to the skull.
Loss of consciousness.
Pupils different size.
No reaction to light.
Nystagmus/strabismus.
Signs of heart failure.
Coughing
Ataxia
Howling
Cyanotic mucous membranes
Pupils dilated
Signs of apoplexy - stroke.
Vomiting
Ataxia
Head held on one side
Nystagmus
Facial paralysis
How to treat poisonous gas ingestion?
- Switch off gas source
- Ventilate room
- Allow exchange of O2 gradually
- Keep warm and quiet
- Observe
What four things can electric shock result in?
- Cardiac arrest
- Respiratory arrest
- Shock
- Burns
Always turn power off first!
Treatment for electric shock?
Artificial respiration/cardiac massage
Treat for shock
Oxygenate
Treat burns - cold compress and cover
Signs of eclampsia
Increased respiration
Muscle tremors
Ataxia
Collapse
Unconsciousness
Signs of heatstroke/hyperthermia
Hyperventilation
Vomiting & salivation
Red congested mucous membranes
Paid pulse
Excitement
Ataxia
Temp up to 41-43 degrees
Treatment for heatstroke/hyperthermia
Cool them down - bath in cold water, concentrate on back of skull.
Assist breathing
Take temp every 10 minutes, then every 1/2 hour
IVFT
Dry off
Cool kennel and monitor temp
What is hyperglycaemia/ketoacidosis?
Due to lack of insulin and/or an excess of glucose & ketones.
Occurs if insulin is not given to a diabetic patient or too low a dose is given.
What are the early signs of hyperglycaemia/ketoacidosis?
Polydipsia/polyuria
Polyphagia
Lethargy & weight loss
Low resistance to infection
What are the later signs of hyperglycaemia/ketoacidosis?
Ataxia
Coma
Death
What is the treatment for hyperglycaemia/ketoacidosis?
If instructed, give insulin at correct dose.
Constant observation.
Seek vet.
What is hypoglycaemia or ‘insulin shock’?
Occurs if insulin is given but then the animal does not eat, insulin overdose or stress.
Results in too little sugar in the blood stream.
What are the signs of hypoglycaemia?
Ataxia/muscle tremors
Restlessness
Mouth & body feel cold
Collapse & twitching uncontrollably
Coma
What is the treatment for hypoglycaemia?
Check when insulin last given/last ate.
If conscious = oral glucose.
If unconscious = IV glucose.
