Sarah Parker BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS

Transcription

1 Sarah Parker BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS

2 Vomiting Diarrhoea Fitting/seizures Heatstroke Insect bites/stings Wound management Potential toxicities

3 What is first aid? Treatment restricted to save a life/reduce pain Immediately following accident/sudden illness Aims Save life Reduce pain/suffering whilst getting to the vets Help recovery e.g. reduce further wound contamination, blood loss

4 Foil blankets Bandages/dressings/tape Sterile saline solution Tweezers Scissors Thermometer Sterile lubricating jelly Instant ice-pack Buster collar/bitter spray Tick remover Gloves/aprons Medications Vets number

5 A single episode in a healthy animal is unlikely to be serious Often due to dietary indiscretion Starve for 24hrs Small amounts of water frequently Bland diet for 3-5 days (low fat) or until resolved Gradually reintroduce normal diet over next 10 days

6 Prolonged or repeated episodes especially in young, small or elderly pets If your pet is lethargic Obvious abdominal pain/discomfort Blood in V/D (inflammation of GI tract) Unsuccessful vomiting or enlarged abdomen URGENT!!!!!! Possible GDV!!!!!

7 Common reasons: epilepsy, poisoning, old animals stroke, tumour What to expect: Collapse on side with paddling limbs Chomping jaw Salivating Urinating/defaecating Different to fainting where animal stays still

8 Do Do Reduce noise/dim lights Remove obstacles/furniture Cushions around the head Transport after fit has finished Don t Don t Stimulate/comfort as can prolong fit Handle head swallowing tongue not an issue in animals Animals can be disorientated for up to 2hrs after a fit EMERGENCY If fit lasts >3mins or if multiple fits occur close together ->HYPERTHERMIA

9 C (Dog) C (Cat) Symptoms: panting, distressed, increased respiratory noise, weakness Susceptible breeds: short faced pugs, bulldogs, boxers, overweight and elderly Treatment wet towels tepid not cold Fans Air con in car set to cold

10 Wasp/Bee Remove sting BELOW poison sacs using a credit card Ice pack/frozen peas for 5 minutes at a time White or apple cider vinegar on wasp stings Make a paste of sodium bicarbonate for bee stings Monitor for breathing difficulties Insect bites Swollen ice pack Stop scratching/licking (collar, socks, t-shirt, leggings)

11 Sterile dressings/clean clothing can be used to cover wounds and keep them clean Apply pressure if bleeding Sterile lubricating jelly can be used to cover wounds and prevent further contamination Sterile saline can be used to flush minor wounds Burns/scalds Run cold water over 5 mins. Do not apply ointments/creams Do not splint broken bones

12 Do Wash clean saline/water Cover Direct pressure Bandage dressing in place Prevent licking Don t Apply disinfectants Remove dressing if soaks through Use tourniquets Assume small puncture wounds are minor

13 Large dogs If they can walk, gently coax If cannot walk or if suspect injury to spine can use stretcher e.g. board, car parcel shelf, blanket Cats In a cage. NOT loose/carried in the car Small dogs Carried to car REMEMBER: May try to bite as a natural reaction when they are scared or in pain

14 1. NSAIDS (Ibuprofen) 2. Theobromine (chocolate) 3. Permethrin (flea products) 4. Metaldehyde (slug pellets) 5. Ethylene glycol (antifreeze) 6. Raisins/grapes/currants/sultanas 7. Paracetamol 8. Lillies 9. Xylitol (found in sugar free products) 10. Anticoagulant rodenticides (rat poison) 11. Mycotoxins (mouldy food)

15 Remove pet from source Prevent licking of fur Keep packaging handy Estimate amount eaten (grams/ounces) Have an idea of your animals weight Do not make sick

16 Always ensure your own safety Remain calm Injured animals can act out of character Always phone first If there is a risk of being bitten use a muzzle or thick towel If you do get bitten, see your doctor Never give human medicines to an animal Do not offer food/water Drive carefully

17 Parameter Dog Cat Mucous Membranes Pink and moist Pink and moist Capillary Refill Time 1-2 seconds 1-2 seconds Temperature Heart Rate/Min Respiratory Rate/Min