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CANINE EMERGENCIES

Emergencies occur suddenly.  It is important that we are able to recognised the developing emergency so that treatment can be organised without delay.

Some emergencies are obvious.  A dog runs across the road and gets hit by a car.  Others may be just as serious but not so obvious.  A German Shepherd appears restless after a large meal and tries to be sick.  How would you know this was the beginning of gastric dilatation/volvulus (GDV), probably the most serious non-traumatic emergency of the dog?

Are there any particular emergencies then that I should look out for?  

Listed below are a selection of common emergency situations with a brief description of cardinal signs.  This list is not intended to be comprehensive but should serve as a guide.  In many cases the urgency of the situation is obvious but this need not necessarily be so. However in all cases of concern urgent contact with your veterinarian is advised.

Anaphylaxis.  This is a severe allergic reaction and may show itself by collapse and severe breathing difficulties.  Causes are many.  They vary from insect stings, contact allergies to the occasional injection reaction.

Bites and fight wounds.  These are particularly serious if

§ There is a lot of bleeding

§ They involve the head (particularly eyes, ears, nose) 

§ They have  penetrated internal organs

Bleeding.  When is bleeding an emergency?  When it is severe.  What is severe?  Blood pumping out or dripping so fast that it is making a pool on the floor. Blood soaking through a normal bandage within a very few minutes.  These are examples of severe haemorrhage.  Ears, noses, feet and even torn nails can at times bleed severely and need urgent veterinary attention if only to sedate the dog sufficiently so that adequate dressings can be applied.

Burns and scalds.  Unless present at the time these injuries are frequently not apparent until some time later when scabs or loss of hair or skin are noted.  This is because the initial injuries are masked by the hair coat.  If you are present at the time contact your veterinarian without delay otherwise seek advice as soon as you note any signs.

Continuous vomiting and/or diarrhoea.  If there is repeated or continuous sudden vomiting, with or without blood, often accompanied with diarrhoea it could be a sign of poisoning or acute gastro intestinal infection. 

Dehydration is a major concern but if fluid is offered this is likely to make the vomiting worse therefore contact your veterinarian immediately.

Convulsion or seizures.  A convulsion or fit is a series of violent uncontrolled  spasms frequently accompanied by unconsciousness. 

Eclampsia.  Known by a variety of names, e.g. hypocalcaemia, milk fever, puerperal tetany, it is a condition that not only affects nursing mothers but can also occur during late pregnancy.  Signs are vague and include restlessness, panting, sometimes increased salivation and stiffness when moving.  This can soon progress to muscle twitching, pyrexia and death.  If in doubt contact your vet.

Haemorrhagic gastro enteritis.  This can sometimes follow a bout of vomiting and diarrhoea but also can occur spontaneously as a result of an acute bowel infection.  Sometimes there is no vomiting.  If your dog at any time passes bloody, unformed stools, contact your veterinarian.

Heart failure.  Heart attack, cardiac failure, cardiac insufficiency, we would all agree that this must be an emergency but how do you recognise it?

Many dogs as they age suffer from a condition called congestive heart failure (CHF) which may affect either the left, right or both sides of the heart. The condition is   undiagnosed until collapse occurs.  The signs of the chronic condition usually include coughing, difficulty in drawing breath, blueness of the tongue (and other mucous membranes) and exercise intolerance.

A “heart attack” – the dog collapses – is often preceded in older dogs by exercise or excitement.  The inefficient heart is unable to pump blood fast enough and there is a severe lack of oxygen to the muscles and brain, which results in sudden collapse.

Heat stroke.  This can happen unexpectedly at any time in warm humid weather. Most frequently it is the result of dogs being left in cars in hot humid weather with too little ventilation.  The signs are sudden excessive panting, and distress.  Unconsciousness can quickly follow.

Injuries.  When do injuries to the body become an emergency?  This is always a judgement call.  Skin wounds often if quite large may not require emergency attention apart from general first aid, provided bleeding is not excessive. However any penetrating wound to the chest or abdomen and virtually any injury involving the eye should be regarded as an emergency.

Poisoning.  Poisoning of any sort will be regarded as an emergency if you witness your dog's contact with the substance.  Frequently substances are licked, swallowed or come into contact with the skin without your knowledge.  Signs can then be variable, e.g, vomiting,  diarrhoea, collapse,  skin damage due to caustic substances etc.

Unconsciousness or collapse.  This can occur with or without the dog fitting (seizuring).   Sometimes it can occur without warning, e.g. sudden heart failure or following a blow on the head etc.  

What should I do in circumstances such as these?

1.            Keep calm and try not to panic. You will then be in a much better position to    answer any questions put by your veterinarian

2.            Contact your veterinarian.  Explain what has happened and follow the advice given

3.            Keep your dog warm and as quiet as possible

4.            Keep movement to a minimum if there is possible injury to limbs or spine

5.            Carry out any procedures (first aid) advised by your vet

6.            Transport your dog to the veterinarian as directed.  Drive carefully and above all observe the speed limits.

In order to help if there is difficulty contacting your veterinarian, we have supplied an accompanying fact sheet on general first aid which you may find of help.