Misc. Flashcards
Misc. (burns, ophthalmology, envenomation, hyper/hypothermia, procedures/equipment)
What is heatstroke in dogs?
A nonpyrogenic increased body temperature above 104°F (40°C) with systemic signs.
Heatstroke is life-threatening and can affect dogs of any age, breed, or gender.
What is the role of the thermoregulatory center in dogs?
Maintains body temperature within a narrow range or set point.
Located in the anterior hypothalamus.
What differentiates pyrogenic from nonpyrogenic hyperthermia?
Pyrogenic hyperthermia involves an increase in the hypothalamic set point; nonpyrogenic does not.
Active cooling is safe in nonpyrogenic hyperthermia.
What are the methods of cooling for dogs?
- Evaporation
- Conduction
- Convection
- Radiation
How does evaporation help in thermoregulation in dogs?
Occurs through panting, dispelling heat via evaporation of water from the tongue.
Most effective when ambient temperature is below 89.6°F (32°C).
What is the definition of heat stress in veterinary patients?
Includes discomfort and physiologic strain with normal core body temperature.
It is rarely recognized in veterinary patients.
What are the main clinical signs of heatstroke in dogs?
- Collapse
- Tachypnea
- Shock
- Inappropriate mentation
- Signs of coagulopathy
What is exertional heatstroke?
Occurs during exercise, more common in dogs not acclimated to their environment.
Acclimation can take up to 60 days.
What is nonexertional heatstroke?
Results from exposure to increased environmental temperatures without adequate cooling.
Examples include being left in a parked car.
What is the acute-phase response?
A coordinated cellular response during inflammatory events to protect tissues from excessive heat.
Stimulated during nonpyrogenic hyperthermia.
What are negative acute-phase proteins?
Proteins that decrease by 25% during an acute-phase response, such as albumin.
Levels can decrease due to GI or renal loss or decreased production.
What are positive acute-phase proteins?
- C-reactive protein
- Serum amyloid A
What is the effect of heatstroke on the central nervous system?
Increased susceptibility to cytotoxicity, resulting in injury and death of neurons, cerebral edema, and hemorrhage.
Severity depends on temperature and duration.
What cardiovascular changes occur during heatstroke?
Initially increased cardiac output, peripheral vasodilation, and central vasoconstriction, followed by hypotension and shock.
Blood circulation is compromised.
What are the common diagnostic findings in heatstroke patients?
- Increased creatinine
- Increased lactate
- Decreased platelets
- Increased hemoglobin concentration
What is the most important aspect of treatment for heatstroke?
Active cooling.
Early cooling efforts significantly improve prognosis.
True or False: Dogs may present normothermic or hypothermic with heatstroke due to prior cooling efforts.
True
Fill in the blank: Heatstroke in dogs can be classified as _______ or nonexertional (classical).
exertional
What is the most important aspect of treatment for heatstroke?
Active cooling
Active cooling may not prevent all deleterious effects of heatstroke but is crucial for treatment.
What is the mortality rate for dogs that are actively cooled before reaching the hospital compared to those that are not?
19% for cooled dogs vs. 49% for non-cooled dogs
What should be avoided during the treatment of heatstroke?
- Use of ice
- Gastric lavage
- Cold water enemas
- Shivering
Using ice causes peripheral vasoconstriction, gastric lavage poses aspiration risks, and cold water enemas may damage the GI tract.
What is an effective cooling method for dogs experiencing heatstroke?
Directing a fan toward the dog and applying cool or tepid water to the skin
At what body temperature should active cooling be discontinued to avoid rebound hypothermia?
103.5°F to 104°F (39.7°C–40°C)
What is the cornerstone of heatstroke treatment?
Intravenous fluids
What type of fluids should be administered upon arrival of a heatstroke patient?
Room temperature crystalloids
When should colloids be considered in heatstroke treatment?
If crystalloids do not adequately maintain intravascular volume or if the patient is hypoalbuminemic
What are some recommended antibiotics for heatstroke patients?
- Ampicillin
- Cefazolin
- Enrofloxacin
- Metronidazole
These antibiotics help prevent bacterial translocation due to GI damage.
What medications are beneficial for GI tract support in heatstroke patients?
- Antiemetics (metoclopramide, dolasetron, maropitant)
- Proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole)
- H2 receptor antagonists (famotidine, ranitidine)
- Sucralfate
These medications help manage nausea and prevent gastric ulceration.
What is mannitol used for in heatstroke treatment?
To decrease intracranial pressure and improve cerebral microcirculation
What is the prognosis for heatstroke patients primarily dependent on?
Length of time the patient was hyperthermic and the highest body temperature experienced
True or False: The development of ventricular arrhythmias is a negative prognostic indicator in heatstroke patients.
True
What are some prevention strategies for heatstroke in dogs?
- Ensure availability of shade and drinking water
- Exercise dogs during cooler periods
- Never leave dogs alone in closed vehicles
- Acclimate dogs to warm temperatures
- Surgically address upper airway obstructions
Owner education is crucial for preventing heatstroke.
What should be monitored during the hospitalization of a heatstroke patient?
- Neurologic status
- Heart rate and pulse quality
- Respiratory rate and effort
- Blood pressure
- ECG
- PT and aPTT
- Packed cell volume and total protein
- Blood glucose and electrolytes
- Lactate and acid–base balance
- Urine output
Serial monitoring can help assess response to therapy, particularly lactate clearance.
What is the normal urine output for a dog on IV fluids?
At least 1 to 2 mL/kg/hour
What is a positive prognostic indicator for dogs that have suffered heatstroke?
Return of normal CNS function
What is heatstroke in dogs?
An acute, life-threatening emergency characterized by nonpyrogenic elevation in body temperature resulting in direct thermal injury to body tissues
What are the key clinical features of heatstroke?
- Metabolic acidosis
- Oliguric renal failure
- Coagulation abnormalities
- Neurologic disturbances
What are common clinical signs observed in dogs with heatstroke?
- Excessive panting
- Hyperemia
- Hypersalivation
- Tachycardia
- Various neurologic signs