Week 1 - Cyanosis

Question 1

What is cyanosis?

Answer 1

An excess of deoxygenated haemoglobin in the blood

e.g. no enough oxygen is being bound to haemoglobin

Question 2

Where can the causes of cyanosis originate?

Answer 2

Inhalation
Chest function
Airways
Lungs
Arteriole blood
Haemoglobin

Question 3

What problem with inhalation can cause cyanosis?

Answer 3

No oxygen present
- Altitude
- Supply failure

Question 4

What problem with chest function can cause cyanosis?

Answer 4

Cannot get oxygen to lungs
- chest damage
- muscle damage
- URT obstruction
- Pleural space disease

Question 5

What problem with the airways and lungs can cause cyanosis?

Answer 5

Cannot get oxygen into the blood
- Interstitial lung disease
- Diffuse alveolar disease

Question 6

What problem with arteriole blood can cause cyanosis?

Answer 6

Reduced systemic oxygen
- R to L shunting
- Tetralogy of fallot
- Eisenmenger’s physiology

Question 7

What problem with haemoglobin can cause cyanosis?

Answer 7

Oxygen cannot bind to Hb
- Haemoglobinopathy
- Methaemoglobinaemia

Question 8

If a patient is panting and cyanotic, what emergency care can be given?

Answer 8

Oxygen (tent, mask, nasal prongs)
Sedation (e.g. butorphanol)

Keep animal in calm environment