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First Aid is defined as "emergency treatment
administered to injured or ill individuals before professional medical
care is available". The principles applied are the same for
animals as for people, but there are some special situations and
problems to consider when dealing with animals.
Animals cannot tell you what has happened or where
they hurt, so the caregiver must be observant when evaluating the
situation. An age-old axiom in medicine is "first, do no
harm". Care must be taken not to cause problems or make existing
ones worse when trying to help. Protect yourself when administering
first aid to an animal. Even an animal you know may bite or scratch
when afraid or injured.
If you hope to be effective in administering
veterinary first aid, PLAN AHEAD.
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Purchase or put together a first aid kit.
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Establish a professional relationship with a
veterinarian in your area who provides "after hours"
emergency services and keep the phone number in an accessible
place.
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Have your veterinarian demonstrate important
techniques such as CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), the
Heimlich Maneuver for animals, and safe, effective restraint
methods.
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Remain calm! Levelheadedness is imperative.
Animals respond best to quiet voices and a slow, soothing
approach. Don't waste precious time in a panic!
With these principles in mind, train yourself to
differentiate between life-threatening and less serious situations.
Evaluate the situation and examine quickly to detect:
If no effective breathing is detected, CLEAR THE
AIRWAY! Blue-tinged or "yanotic" gums and tongue mean no air
is getting through to the lungs. Pull the tongue out and clear the
throat of mucus and blood with your fingers or a bulb syringe. Gently
but quickly reach into the back of the throat to detect and remove any
foreign object.
Generally, these animals are unconscious, but take
care not to be bitten. Perform the Heimlich Maneuver if the foreign
object cannot be reached. If the throat is swollen shut, suspect a
severe allergic reaction called "anaphylaxis" and SEEK
VETERINARY CARE IMMEDIATELY!
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Allergic Reactions
Most allergic reactions seen in animals are due to
insect stings, but may also result from foods, vaccines, and other
medications. Mild allergic reactions are manifest by moderate pain or
itching and localized swelling in the area. First aid for these type
of reactions include:
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Remove the stinger if it can be found
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Apply a cold compress to the area
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Administer over-the-counter antihistamines like
Benadryl, if recommended by your veterinarian
Severe allergic reactions ("anaphylaxis")
may occur within 30 minutes. In these cases, the signs of mild
reactions are followed by swelling of the airway and shock. THESE ARE
TRUE EMERGENCIES! Transport immediately for veterinary care!
Food allergies occasionally occur and usually cause
stomach upset, cramping, and diarrhea or skin problems.
Contact allergies are caused by grasses and weeds,
shampoos, topical insecticides or medicines, and cause only local
discomfort.
If you suspect a contact allergic reaction:
Inhalant allergies (allergies to pollens and molds),
flea allergies, and bronchial asthma are common in small animals. See
your veterinarian for assistance in their management.
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Burns
Burns are categorized as thermal, chemical, or
electrical.
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For burns that leave the skin intact, wash the
area with a gentle stream of cool water or immerse in a cool bath.
Then apply a cold compress on the burn to minimize the damage. Do
NOT apply oils, creams, or butter to a burn!
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For full-thickness burns (completely through the
skin), cover with a dry cloth or towel and transport to a
veterinarian immediately.
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Always seek veterinary care for a burn. Often
the full extent of the burn will not be apparent for several days
and they are very prone to infection.
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Electrical burns may cause only superficial
burns in the mouth, but may also cause convulsions or
life-threatening heart and lung conditions up to 24 to 48 hours
after the incident.
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Drowning
If drowning occurs:
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Hold the animal upside down and squeeze the
chest gently but firmly until fluid stops draining.
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If there is no pulse or respiration and
veterinary care is not immediately available, institute CPR
and
transport.
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Eye
Injuries / Infections
The eyes are very fragile and subject to a variety
of maladies. If you suspect an injury or an infection in an eye, seek
veterinary care immediately. Common eye problems include:
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Conjunctivitis (infection of the lining of the
eyelids)
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Corneal abrasions or ulcers
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Foreign bodies between the eye and eyelids or in
the eye itself
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Glaucoma (increased pressure within the eyeball)
Proptosis of the eyeball is frequently the result of
trauma to animals with protruding eyes. The eyeball is actually forced
partially out of its socket by the sudden change in pressure.
Proptosed eyes must be treated immediately to hope to salvage vision
and retain a cosmetically pleasing eye.
Even a simple injury or infection can get worse
fast. Never waste time in having a veterinarian examine an eye
problem. Until you can see the veterinarian:
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Remove any foreign material such as plant matter
that is visible and reachable under the eyelids
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Flush the eye gently with water or saline
solution if you suspect that noxious fluids or small particles
have contacted the eye
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Keep discharge from the eye from building up by
gently wiping the corner of the eye with a moistened cotton ball
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Prevent the animal from rubbing at the affected
eye. Animals frequently cause a minor irritation to become a more
serious problem in this manner
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Apply an antibiotic ointment intended for the
eye if possible. This will keep the eye moist and help to prevent
infection. Avoid using products containing hydrocortisone on eye
injuries until the patient is examined by a veterinarian because
healing may be delayed by the cortisone.
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Fractures
Fractures are cracks or breaks in bones. Suspect a
fracture if the animal refuses to put weight on a leg, if a limb is
not in a normal position or is dangling limply. Swelling occurs very
quickly over a broken bone in any location. Fractures are categorized
as open (bone protruding through the skin) or closed. A major goal of
First Aid is to prevent a closed fracture from becoming an open
fracture.
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If the bone is exposed, cover with a light
bandage to keep it as clean as possible.
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Move a limb with a suspected fracture as little
as possible. While splinting can be done with many fractures, it
is simpler to support the leg with a folded towel or blanket
before transporting to a veterinarian.
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Sprains and strains are injuries to the muscles,
ligaments, or tendons. Sprains, strains, and dislocated joints can
all be difficult to tell from a fracture. Only an X-ray can
evaluate this type of injury accurately.
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Frostbite and
Hypothermia
Cold exposure or hypothermia is most likely to
affect animals which lose body temperature quickly. Especially
susceptible are puppies, cats, small breeds of dogs, short-haired,
older or injured animals.
Frostbite can occur without suffering serious hypothermia. Areas most
prone to frostbite are the tail, tips of the ears, and the footpads.
To treat cold exposure cases:
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Warm the animal slowly by wrapping in a blanket
and placing a hot water bottle or a heating pad under the blanket,
not directly on the animal
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A hair dryer may be directed toward the victim
for passive warming
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If the animal does not quickly show signs of
consciousness and a normal shivering mechanism, it can be placed
in a tub of warm (105 to 110 degrees F.) water until veterinary
care is available.
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Frostbitten tissues appear leathery and hair may
appear white; handle these fragile tissues gently. The extent of
the damage may not be obvious for several days.
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Heatstroke
Animals cannot sweat like people do to effectively
dissipate body heat. Instead, they must pant, a mechanism which works
well when the outside temperature is below their normal body
temperature.
Heatstroke occurs when the outside temperature exceeds the range of
101 to 102.5 degrees F. and is more common when humidity is high.
Heatstroke causes a reduction of blood circulation
which compromises kidney function, swelling of the brain, and a
general overheating of body tissues. It has a very high mortality rate
and requires immediate attention. Suspect heatstroke if:
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Extreme panting and salivation is observed
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The animal has an anxious or panicky expression
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Collapse follows the above symptoms
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Rectal temperature exceeds 105 degrees F.
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The animal has been in an enclosed area with
poor air circulation such as an enclosed car or room, has been in
direct sunlight without access to fresh water, or has been
exercising excessively on a hot day
The goal of treating heatstroke is to get its body
temperature down quickly.
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Immerse the animal in or hose down with cold
water.
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Place ice packs on the head and around the body
OR apply rubbing alcohol to the body and extremities but not the
head
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Check the body temperature with a rectal
thermometer every 5 minutes and stop heat reduction measures when
it reaches 103 degrees F. to avoid overcooling.
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When the animal regains consciousness, allow it
to drink as much cold water as possible
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Massage the legs vigorously to stimulate
circulation and prevent shock
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Even if the worst seems to be over, see a
veterinarian as soon as possible. Often intravenous fluids,
steroids and cold-water enemas are often necessary to prevent
permanent damage to the brain and kidneys.
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Minor Conditions
Requiring First Aid Include:
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Broken toenails are more painful than dangerous.
Controlling resultant bleeding with a styptic powder is usually
all that is necessary
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Broken teeth should be seen by a veterinarian
within 24 hours if adequate repair is to be accomplished
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Nosebleeds may be caused by trauma, foreign
bodies, bleeding disorders or intranasal tumors. Keep the animal
quiet with its nose elevated until the bleeding stops or you can
see the veterinarian for evaluation.
Even minor injuries can cause pain for the animal.
Remember to protect yourself as well as the patient!
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Penetrating
Chest Wounds
If there is a penetrating wound to the chest
associated with difficulty in breathing:
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Do NOT remove any objects sticking out of the
chest!
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Make an airtight seal over the wound and around
any foreign object by applying a cloth or plastic sheet and
holding or taping (not too tight!) around the chest.
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TRANSPORT IMMEDIATELY TO A VETERINARIAN!
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Seizures
Seizures may be "grand mal" where the
whole body is affected or "petit mal" where only a part of
the body is affected. Seizures are the result of abnormal nervous
impulses which cause uncontrollable twitching and erratic behavior.
Causes of seizures include:
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Poisoning
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Head injuries
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Severe infections
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Tumors
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Epilepsy
If you witness a seizure:
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Keep the animal away from furniture, stairwells,
and sharp objects. Place blankets or cushions around it if
possible.
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Time the length of the seizure episode. Seizures
lasting more than 5 minutes may become life-threatening.
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Do NOT attempt to grasp the tongue. The risk of
being severely bitten is greater than the risk of the animal
choking.
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If the seizure episode lasts more than a minute,
transport in a blanket for emergency veterinary care.
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If the seizure is a short one and the animal
recovers quickly, place it in a dark, quiet area and offer a
moderate amount of food and water.
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Always report seizure episodes to your
veterinarian who can advise you of the necessary steps to take
from here.
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Shock
Shock is a generally reversible state of massive
physiological reaction to bodily trauma, usually characterized by
marked loss of blood pressure and depression of vital processes. Signs
of shock include:
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Dazed attitude or unconsciousness
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Low body temperature (dogs and cats average
between 101 and 102.5 degrees F.)
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Rapid, shallow respirations
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Pale or white gums and tongue
First aid for shock is as follows:
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Control any bleeding
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Wrap the animal in a blanket to keep it from
losing body heat.
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Transport to a veterinarian immediately. Drugs,
oxygen, and intravenous fluids may be necessary to save the
animal.
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Snakebite
While many snakes are nonvenomous, rattlesnakes,
copperheads, and water moccasins can cause painful tissue reactions,
infection, or shock. Suspect a snakebite if:
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Extreme swelling and pain occurs suddenly,
especially when it involves an extremity like a nose or a paw
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Fang-marks are found on the surface of such a
wound (they may or may not be evident)
If you suspect a snakebite:
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Keep the animal warm and quiet
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Transport immediately to a veterinarian.
Steroids and antibiotics are the mainstays of treatment. Antivenin
is not readily available in most areas but fortunately is not
usually necessary.
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Do NOT cut the wound and suck out the venom or
apply tourniquets. These efforts may cause more harm than good.
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Vomiting
/
Diarrhea
Dogs and cats have a very efficient vomiting
mechanism. Vomiting may be a sign of a very minor problem or a very
serious one. Vomiting may or may not be associated with diarrhea.
Causes of vomiting include:
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Sudden changes in diet
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Intestinal parasites (worms)
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Bacterial or viral infections
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Motion sickness
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Foreign body ingestion
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Poisoning
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Kidney failure or other metabolic disorders
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Special types of stomach or intestinal disorders
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Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas
gland)
When vomiting occurs only once or twice and is not
associated with other problems:
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Withhold all food for 24 hours.
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Offer small amounts of water frequently or let
the animal lick an ice cube.
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If no vomiting occurs during that 24 hours
period of time, begin feeding boiled chicken, turkey, or hamburger
with boiled white rice as small, frequent meals, then gradually
switch back to its regular food over several days.
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Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate may be given at a
rate of 1/2 to 1 tsp. per 5 pounds of body weight to help settle
the stomach. Pepto-Bismol contains aspirin which may be toxic to
cats. Your veterinarian can advise you whether or not it should be
necessary.
Signs of serious vomiting include:
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Symptoms lasting more than 24 hours
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Vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea
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Blood is observed in the vomitus or stool
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Fever
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Evidence of pain
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Weakness or collapse
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Bloating of the abdomen (overfull stomachs,
particularly in large, deep-chested dogs, can twist and kill the
animal in a very short time)
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Signs of dehydration are observed (poor gum
color, dull, sunken eyes, or decreased elasticity of the skin)
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Any vomiting or diarrhea in a puppy or kitten
should be considered potentially serious.
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Wounds
Severely bleeding wounds, deep wounds, and sucking
wounds to the chest must be dealt with immediately. Arterial bleeding,
the most life-threatening kind of bleeding, is characterized by
rhythmic spurting. Venous bleeding is a slower dripping or pooling of
blood.
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To control bleeding, apply gentle, steady
pressure with clean, absorbent material. Apply a tourniquet
loosely only as a last resort.
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Penetrating or sucking wounds to the chest must
be tightly covered to help support adequate respiration. Do NOT
remove objects from a chest or abdominal wound. Instead, wrap the
object at its entry point with plastic wrap to seal the wound and
hold or tape in place. Transport immediately to a veterinary
facility.
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To clean contaminated wounds, flush gently with
a stream of cool water or immerse in a cool tub. Then apply a cold
compress to actively bleeding wounds or topical antibiotic and
clean bandage to less serious wounds.
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Superficial wounds may be cleaned with 3 percent
hydrogen peroxide or salt water (1 tsp. salt in 1 pint warm water
is comparable to normal body fluids).
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Lacerations (cuts through the skin) should be
closed as soon as possible to maximize healing and minimize
infection.
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Major wounds should receive veterinary attention
immediately. Minor wounds should be examined within 24 hours.
Animals are particularly prone to infection and often require
antibiotics to facilitate healing.
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