PET FIRST AID FOR DOGS AND CATS 1
What is FIRST AID? The immediate and temporary care given to an injured or sick animal until it can receive care from a veterinarian. Main goals: 1. Protect yourself from harm! 2. Protect the animal from further harm. 3. Administer first aid to maintain life until further treatment. 2
RULES TO LIVE BY 1 st : SCENE SAFETY- KEEP YOURSELF SAFE! 2 ND : STAY CALM! 3 rd : DO NO HARM! 3
Basic Anatomy 4
Skeletal System Elbow Stifle (knee) and Tibia Hock Cat 5
TM05 Pet-Friendly First Aid Kit Include your veterinarian s 24/7 phone number (also post this on your refrigerator and carry it in your wallet and your pet s travel bag) Include photo and tattoo, microchip numbers, rabies tag number Include basic first aid supplies, stethoscope, bandaging materials Muzzle, leash Antihistamines Include a list of your pet s medical conditions and keep medications handy Carry a cell phone! 6
Allergic Reaction 7
What s Normal? Approximations at rest Pulse rates (beats per minute) Cats: 160-200 bpm Small dog (<30lbs): 100-160 bpm Med-large dog (>30lbs): 60-100 bpm Breathing rates (breaths per minute) Cats: 20-30 bpm Remember- cats should not pant for more than a few minutes after exercise Dogs: 10-30 bpm (higher if panting) Body temperature Cats: 100.5-102.5 degrees F Dogs: 100.2 102.8 degrees F 8
HOW TO RECOGNIZE AN EMERGENCY Use your senses and your knowledge of your pet to recognize an emergency. KNOW WHAT IS NORMAL FOR YOUR PET!!! Watch for UNUSUAL NOISES (vocalizing, etc) UNUSUAL SIGHTS (bleeding, limping, stray animals in area, etc) UNUSUAL ODORS (chemical, smoke, medicinal, other) UNUSUAL BEHAVIOR (breathing changes, excitability, lethargy, anything different than normal) 9
EMERGENCY ACTION STEPS CHECK THE SCENE is it safe? CHECK the injured animal, but only if it is safe CALL phone for help CARE provide first aid before transport STAY CALM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (or at least pretend to be) 10
CALLING FOR HELP!!! Don t call 911 unless your county EMA allows calls for pets (check with them). Call your vet or emergency clinic (have a relationship with them BEFORE you need them). Call the Animal Poison Control Center if you know of poisoning. Keep phone numbers handy in many places. 11
Approaching Animals Move slowly Talk softly Approach from the side, turn your head away slightly Don t hover over them Do not use fear Wrong approach!! 12
Handling Cats Remember-CATS ARE NOT SMALL DOGS!!! Stroke gently, slowly Don t pat Don t be fooled- they don t all like belly rubs! Minimal handling Give them a place to hide 13
Restraint - Dogs Protect yourself Muzzle Only if no vomiting, coughing, or breathing difficulties Soft material Not 100% guarantee! 14
Restraint - Cats 15
Choking Small ball, big dog Rawhide chewies Other toys Tongue swelling, throat swelling-allergic reaction, trauma Vomit/aspirate Fast eater (food, treats) Collapsing trachea 16
Choking-what to do? Sweep mouth/remove object if SAFE Try gravity (upside down) *******Heimlich maneuver******* Slap between shoulders (use caution) 17
Unconscious choking If unconscious-check carefully in mouthremove object if you can Heimlich maneuver on floor or abdominal compressions Rescue breathing if not breathing Check pulse-cpr? 18
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REMEMBER IT IS MORE IMPORTANT TO GET AIR IN THAN IT IS TO GET THE OBJECT OUT You may be able to get enough air past the object to keep the animal alive until the object can be removed 20
CPR Cardiopulmonary resucitation Check ABCs Open airway if needed (tilt head back, pull tongue straight out) Clear any obstructions ( sweep ) If not breathing, administer about 5 breaths into the nose Then move on to check for pulse 21
Finding the Pulse Femoral artery pulse v 22
Cardiac Arrest No breathing No heartbeat Pale mucous membranes (white, blue, or grey colored) Dilated pupils (not responsive to light) If not pulse, begin CPR 23
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CPR Don t focus on the numbers! THINK! Get air in, circulate the oxygenated blood throughout the body, especially to the heart and brain. Use 30 compressions to 2 breaths as a guide. Animal on right side.why? 25
PRACTICE CPR AND RESPONSE TO CHOKING 26
Drowning Remove from water if you can be safe Get water out of lungs Gravity Pressure Check ABCs +/- CPR Get to clinic 27
Wounds and Bleeding To stop bleeding; apply direct pressure with a towel or your hand over the wound add layers as needed, without removing old layers Wear gloves if you can If arterial (spurting), you may need to also apply pressure above the wound If not serious bleeding, rinse wound with warm water and cover with gauze, bandage If still bleeding, pressure bandage Transport to vet Ear flaps Nose bleeds Paw pads Tongue Tail 28
Types of Wounds Abrasions: Scrape in skin, often caused by rough surface such as concrete, asphalt, etc. Bruise: Bleeding under the skin, often resulting from a hard blow. Laceration: Cut or tear in the skin and soft tissue. Puncture: Splinters, thorns, animal bite, etc. Impaled object: Stick, fence post, arrow, knife, etc. 29
Impaled Object DO NOT REMOVE leave it in and transport to vet Removing the object may lead to uncontrolled bleeding and shock Small objects, like splinters, may be removed with tweezers 30
Shock LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCY! Body s response to decreased blood flow/oxygen to internal organs from: Blood loss (may be internal or external) Heart problems-poor circulation Allergic reaction Severe infection, etc Signs: Pulse and breathing rapid, then slow +/- stop Prolonged CRT Depressed mental state to unconscious Cool extremities from decreased blood flow 31
Shock-First Aid Check ABCs-CPR if needed Control external bleeding if needed Keep warm unless shock is the result of heat stroke- can monitor temperature if unsure If no neck or back injury, may help to elevate hind end a few inches-use folded blanket Transport to veterinarian ASAP 32
TM19 Thermal Burns Severity depends on amount of body affected and how deep it is Can be difficult to asses due to hair Superficial - 1 st degree Partial thickness- 2 nd degree Full thickness- 3 rd degree First Aid- COOL the burned area immediately to stop the cooking effect (cool water) Cover with non-stick pad or cool damp cloth Do NOT apply ointments or other medications unless on veterinary advice Transport to veterinarian ASAP for assessment and treatment 33
Chemical Burns Many household products can irritate skin, including paws If necessary to decontaminate your animal, protect yourself with waterproof gloves, eye protection, etc first. Use gentle pet shampoo (or baby shampoo if no pet shampoo available) and warm water to decon. Seek veterinary care for info on possible toxic effects + injury to skin 34
Electrical Burns Especially cats, puppies, & kittens (curious) If can t let go- turn power off Check ABCs, respond as needed Watch for shock May result in swelling around & inside mouth & throat, lungs (pulmonary edema) leading to breathing problems Always take to veterinarian for assessment! Keep things unplugged or out of reach! 35
Snakebite! If you suspect a bite by a poisonous snake, try to identify but stay out of danger Check ABCs and respond appropriately Watch for shock Keep animal calm and still if possible to avoid rapid spread of toxin Call for transport to vet ASAP Wear gloves, wash wound with soap & water DO NOT cut open wound, DO NOT suck out the venom DO NOT put ice on wound, DO NOT use tourniquet unless uncontrolled bleeding Transport immediately to veterinarian 36
Pennsylvania s Venomous Snakes Timber rattlesnake Northern copperhead Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake v 37
Insect Bites Spider bites, bee stings common- often on nose and paws Allergic reaction possible, especially if multiple stings or bites (anaphylactic shock)-may be life threatening If honey bee sting- leaves stinger behinddo not squeeze (scrape out with fingernail or credit card) Transport to vet 38
Animal Bites Animal bites may be much more serious than they appear to be Check ABCs & control bleeding If dog or cat bite, check for rabies vaccination status of biter, get owner info If wild animal bite, consider the animal to be rabid unless it is test - negative Clean wound (wear gloves) and transport to vet 39
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Keep your pet s rabies vaccine current at all times-it S THE LAW!!!! 41
Rabies!!! 42
Poisoning v Types of poisoning: Topical (contact) Inhaled Ingested Many toxins around the home Indoor/outdoor plants Prescription and OTC meds (human), alcohol Cleaning chemicals Human food Pesticides ****************ANTI-FREEZE ***************** 43
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New Toxins Sugar free gum Super glue Raisins and grapes Moldy walnuts Coco mulch Onions 45
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center University of Illinois 24 hour 1-888-426-4435 Staffed by vets and technicians Cost of ~ $60 may be charged to your credit card v 46
Pet Poison Hotline 24/7 Animal Poison Control Center 800-213-6680 Charge for service 47
Frostbite & Hypothermia Frostbite may especially affect tail, ear tips, paw pads- may not see for 1-2 days Warm slowly with warm cloth Don t rub or apply pressure Transport to vet Hypothermia= body temp < 96 degrees F Get animal dry & warm up slowly- wrap in blankets and use warm water bottles or hold against your body 48
Heatstroke Life threatening! Body temp may reach 104 degrees F or higher May go into shock quickly-may have damage to kidneys, brain, etc Cool animal quickly use cool water and fans As temp starts to drop, reduce to gradual cooling Cool body, head, and paw pads Provide small amounts of cool water frequently Transport to vet ASAP 49
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Eye Emergencies Eye popped out of socket Keep eye moist and still Transport to vet Eye injury (puppy meets cat) Likely light sensitive, squinting, tearing Transport to vet Foreign object Rinse with water, inspect If necessary, transport to vet v 51
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SUDDEN ILLNESS Know what s normal so you can recognize the abnormal Many illnesses may present with similar symptoms which may include: Weakness -Diarrhea Confusion -Seizures Breathing problems -Behavior changes Lethargy Vomiting 53
Seizures 54
Seizures ( convulsions ) DO NOT put anything in the mouth Don t hold the tongue Clear the area Cushion the head Take notes or video: Timing Events/behavior before Behavior after Make appointment ASAP 55
Seizures Treatment: Treat the cause if found Anti-convulsants Phenobarbital Valium Potassium Bromide Phenobarbital 56
Vomiting & Diarrhea Often dietary indiscretion: <24-48 hrs duration Can be parasites or sign of serious illness Kidney disease (V) Liver disease (V) Stomach infection (gastritis)-helicobacter (V) CNS disease (V) Cancer, heart trouble Addisons Disease (dogs) Hyperthyroidism (usually cats) (V) Pancreatitis (V +/-D) Parvo (V+D) Colitis (D), etc 57
So.what to do? Help needed if: Lasts >48 hrs OR: Continuous Bloody Not feeling well, other symptoms of illness Known illness See parasites Retching without producing, no feces produced (GDV?) Signs of dehydration 58
Diabetes/hypoglycemia Signs may include: Anorexia Weakness Shaking Seizures Disorientation Unconsciousness/coma First aid: Check ABCs, respond as needed Rub corn syrup, glucose paste, sugar water, or other sugary product on the gums, even if comatose Transport to vet ASAP 59
Bloat & Torsion (GDV) GDV = Gastric dilation & volvulus Life threatening emergency! Bloat=stomach fills with air, food, or water Torsion=stomach turns on its axis, cutting off blood flow to stomach & spleen Results in rapid shock, death if not reversed within a very short time Signs include: Drooling/excessive salivation Non-productive retching Pacing, restlessness Stomach area may expand visibly Shock, death soon follow Surgery required for torsion 60
Prevention of GDV Feed small, frequent meals if susceptible breed Don t exercise immediately before or after exercise Consider tacking the stomach to the body wall at spay for females Watch closely for signs if susceptible breed 61
Orthopedic Injuries May present as lameness May see deformity Try to prevent further use or movement of the injured bone, muscle, or joint AVOID splinting unless absolutely necessary to stabilize during transport Transport to vet carefully to avoid further injury 62
Fractures Closed Compound Growth plate Greenstick (cracks) What to do? Avoid being bitten Stabilize animal +/- limb; if animal resists splinting, STOP! NEVER attempt to put the bones back in place Use wet dressing over compound fracture Transport! 63
Splinting = Lots of Layers 64
Splinting for Support 65
After a few weeks 66
PRACTICE SPLINTING and BANDAGING (Include paw bandage demo) SPLINTING: *Cotton sheeting *Gauze wrap *Vet wrap * +/- Tape BANDAGING: *Non stick pad *Gauze wrap *Vet wrap * +/- Tape v 67
Toxoplasmosis 68
Take-Home Message Wear gloves to garden, wash hands afterward 69
Take-Home Message Keep sandboxes covered NO CATS ALLOWED 70
Take-Home Message NEVER eat undercooked or raw meat ALWAYS wash fruits and vegetables before eating 71
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What Is Lyme Disease? Caused by a spiral-shaped bacterium (spirochete) Borrelia burgdorferi Carried by deer ticks Ixodes scapularis - black-legged tick Ixodes pacificus (western U.S.) western black-legged tick 73
The Deer Tick Ixodes Dermacentor Actual Size (left to right) of larva, nymph, adult male, adult female, and engorged adult female Ixodes ("Deer Ticks") and adult male and female Dermacentor ("Dog Ticks") 74
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The Bite The bite is usually painless and goes unnoticed The tick may stay attached and feed for 2-4 days before dropping off Weeks later, a bulls eye rash may appear 77
Symptoms of Infection in Humans Flu-like illness; joint and muscle pain, fever, headache, fatigue, bulls-eye rash If untreated, may affect the nervous system and cause heart problems (drooping facial muscles, irregular heartbeat, dizziness) Arthritis 78
Symptoms of Infection in Most common in dogs Animals Also affects horses, cattle, birds, wild animals, and cats Signs similar to those in humans Fever, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes Usually shifting leg lameness Walking on eggshells As progresses, swollen joints most common sign 79
Treatment Oral antibiotics very effective in animals and humans Delayed treatment may lead to increased severity of disease 80
Prevention Frequently check your pets for ticks and remove them promptly Use topical flea and tick products on healthy animals-talk to your veterinarian Take your animal to your veterinarian if you suspect infection (unexplained lameness, decreased appetite, etc) 81
Are Vaccines Available? For dogs; yes Consider vaccinating any dog that lives in a high-risk area or has a high-risk occupation (hunting dog) Pups 9 weeks and older; 2 doses, 1 month apart, then yearly booster For humans; there was a vaccine approved in 1998, but it is not recommended for everyone 82
How To Remove A Tick Removing a tick promptly decreases the risk of infection Use fine-point tweezers Grasp the tick where its mouth parts enter the skin and tug gently and repeatedly until it releases its hold Be patient; it may take awhile DON T SQEEZE THE TICK S BODY 83
Zoonotic Diseases Let s talk about Parasites WORMS Most common: Tapeworm head Roundworm Hookworm Tapeworm Whipworm Heartworm 84
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Prevention Sanitation of cage, environment (easily killed) Regular deworming program for adult dogs Neonatal deworming program Begin at 2 weeks, then every 1 or 2 weeks for first 3 months of life Treatment of mom several days before and after whelping can prevent infection of pups 86
Diagnosis Eggs in feces 87
Warning. Prepare yourselves high yuk factor ahead 88
Cutaneous Larval Migrans 89
Roundworms Toxocara canis Toxocara cati 90
Diagnosis Eggs in feces 91
Visceral Larval Migrans Usually Toxocara canis Human ingests infective eggs To small intestine Become larvae Burrow into small intestine wall, enter circulation, go to almost any tissue Migrate through and damage tissue Pathology depends on location 92
Prevention Regular deworming program for pets Wash your hands before you eat Don t allow kids to play in soil contaminated with feces Clean pet s living area weekly; pick up feces from yard, wash outdoor kennel Teach kids not to eat dirt (pica) 93
Whipworms 94
Difficult to Eliminate Re-infection common Worms live a long time Resistant Requires regular deworming program Keep kennel clean 95
Diagnosis Eggs in feces 96
Tapeworms 97
Diagnosis Eggs in feces: may be difficult to detect Most obvious sign is tapeworm segments in the hair in the peri-anal region of an infected animal Rice 98
The eggs of Dipylidium caninum are typically passed in the feces in "packets" containing about a dozen eggs. 99
Tapeworms In humans, one of the most serious forms of this disease occurs when the tapeworm larvae infect the central nervous system, a disease referred to as neurocysticercosis 100
Prevention and Treatment Keep your pets flea-free Deworming 101
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Flea Facts Males and females feed on host blood Can go months without a meal A flea can lay 30-50 eggs in a day A flea can produce 400-1,000 eggs in her lifetime (several months to two years, depending on the species) In just thirty days, 25 adult female fleas can multiply to as many as a quarter of a million fleas! 103
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To Eliminate Fleas Remove them from all pets Eliminate them from the house and all bedding Eliminate them from the outdoors around the house Pupae can live for a long time in carpets, upholstery, etc 105
Scabies 106
Mange 107
(Dermatophytosis) 108
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Clean-Up Vital to clean and disinfect the environment Destroy all bedding, brushes, scratching posts, etc Other items should be washed in hot water and soaked in chlorine, virkon, or enilconazole Curtains and carpets should be vacuumed Vacuum upholstery and inside of car Vacuum and disinfect heating and cooling vents 110 Burn vacuum bags
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3 Things Required For Transmission Infected dog(s) in the area Mosquito species in the area that are capable of carrying the worms Vulnerable dogs or cats in the area 113
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Common signs of infection are: Dogs Coughing possible Exercise intolerance Panting Cats: Coughing Breathing Difficulty Vomiting Sluggishness Weight loss 115
Vaccinations which ones and when? CORE vs NON-CORE Should be tailored to each animal Dogs-see AAHA summary (American Animal Hospital Assoc) Cats- less is more (The American Association of Feline Practitioners) (they LOOK the same, but they re NOT) 116
Behavior Changes in Geriatric Medical or Mental? Animals Every organ affected in aging process Brain changes often contribute to changes in behavior # 1: checklist # 2: medical evaluation # 3: decide on course of action 117
Behavior Checklist 118
Spaying and Neutering
Benefits of Early Spay and Neuter Reduce risk of mammary cancer Eliminate risk of uterine infections ( pyometra ) Eliminate risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery Reduce risk of prostate and testicular cancer and prostate enlargement Reduce tendency of animal to stray Easier on owner; don t have to deal with behavior during estrus
Pyometra Normal Uterus Pus-filled Uterus
Prepare for Disasters! If you have to evacuate, take your pets with you Have planned destinations- know where you can take them Temporary animal shelters may be in place if you move to a Red Cross shelter- pets are not allowed in human shelters Keep a travel bag ready for your pets Never leave a pet outdoors-especially chained- if a storm is coming Make pre-arrangements with friends to evacuate your pets if you are not there 122
Pet Disaster Kit/Travel Bag First, know that your pet can go where you are going. Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container). First aid kit. Sturdy leashes, collars, and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that your animals can't escape. Current photos of your pets, and tag, microchip and tattoo numbers, in case they get lost. Food, potable water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and can opener (don t forget the spoon). Treats. Poop bags. Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets. Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable. Paper towels. Hand wipes. Fluffy 123
Car (Motion) Sickness No large meals before trip Consider desensitization training- discuss with your vet Ask your vet about medications for motion sickness Keep animal secure in familiar crate, on leash or in pet seat belts Frequent stops during trip v No front seat riding (air bags) 124
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Disclaimer The information on these slides is only an introduction to a few diseases, illnesses, and injuries that can affect dogs and cats. Remember that first aid is just the temporary and immediate care of an animal until you can get professional help. Always be safe first, and do no harm. Please contact your veterinarian if you suspect your animal is ill or injured. Updated information may be available. Much info taken from the internet. 132
Any questions? 133