Its that time of year again folks!
This was taken from Dr. Phil Zeltzman's Newsletter - June 26, 2009 . When I read it this morning I wrote to him asking permission to share this with you all and he agreed on the condition that I encourage each of you to sign up for his free newsletter. I do find them very informative!!! He says he has some topics coming up of issues with our breed! You can subscribe at
www.drphilzeltzman.com
Thanks!
Missy
Heat stroke, the silent killer
Every year, countless dogs (and some cats) die after being locked in cars while their owners visit, shop, or run an errand, often for "just a few minutes."
Let's hope this never ever happens to your pet.
These tragic deaths are entirely preventable.
It is important to remember that heat stroke does not only occur in the Summer time. It's a matter of temperature, not of season.
What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke occurs when your pet's internal temperature becomes dangerously high, generally about 106 degrees F. It can be due to being locked in a hot car, or to over-exercising in a hot and/or humid environment. Either way, it leads to a cascade of very serious conditions which can result in brain damage, organ failure and death.
A chemical reaction occurs and actually breaks down the cells in your pet's body.
Who can be affected?
Extreme heat is especially dangerous for various categories of pets:
. Older pets.
. Very young pets.
. Brachycephalic breeds. This is the medical name for flat-face breeds, which include dogs like Bulldogs and Pugs, as well as cats like Persians and Exotics.
. Overweight and especially obese pets.
. Pets with a lot of hair.
. Pets with heart or respiratory problems.
. Pets with dark hair coat, for the same reasons as humans wearing dark clothing (dark absorbs -- white reflects).
What happens?
Have you ever noticed how hot it can get inside your car on a Summer day, even though it is not that hot outside? That's because a car acts like a greenhouse, trapping the sun's heat.
A Stanford University test found that even if it's only 72 degrees outside (i.e. not hot at all), a car's internal temperature can rocket to 116 degrees within an hour. In other words, this can happen outside of the Summer period as well.
And keeping the windows open barely helps.
Another example?
When it's 85 degrees, the temperature inside the car increases to 102 degrees in 10 minutes, and 120 degrees in 20 minutes.
What are the signs?
. Body temperature can reach 104-110 degrees Fahrenheit
. Heavy panting
. Rapid pulse or heartbeat
. Bright or dark red gums & tongue
. Excessive thirst
. Excessive drooling
. Lethargy
. Lack of coordination, staggering
. Seizures
. Glazed eyes
. Bloody diarrhea or vomiting
. Unconsciousness
How does a vet know my dog has heat stroke?
By noticing any of the signs listed above, starting with a high rectal temperature, as well as a history of being trapped in a car, even briefly.
Blood work may show a number of abnormalities: kidney damage, liver problems, muscle damage, low blood sugar, dehydration and clotting disorders.
What is the emergency treatment?
. If you suspect that your pet has symptoms of heatstroke, you should first try to lower the body temperature by moving your pet to a cool area. Cooling procedures should begin before driving to the vet.
. You can soak your pet with cold water, but don't use ice cold water, as it may worsen things.
. If available, use a fan. It will cool your pet down more quickly.
. Then call your vet or an emergency clinic, and take your pet there as quickly and safely as possible.
. It is important to call the clinic ahead of time so that the staff can be prepared by the time you arrive. Actually, this is a good tip with any emergency.
. This is true even if your pet appears OK, as internal organs may be affected.
. If your pet is alert enough, offer small amounts of water or ice cubes.
. Stop cooling measures when your pet reaches 103 degrees, or your pet may actually become too cold.
. At the vet, similar measures will be taken. In addition, lots of IV fluids are given. Strange things, like a cold enema, may also be used.
What is the outcome?
It's not very good, but it truly depends on 3 things:
. Early detection.
. Internal organ and brain damage.
. Early and aggressive treatment.
The largest study indicates a 50% survival rate only...
What are the complications?
There is also a complicated clotting problem, called DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation) that can be a secondary complication to heat stroke. It can be fatal.
Brain, kidney and liver damage is possible.
Can I prevent heat stroke in my pet?
Absolutely.
There are some simple, common-sense steps you can take to prevent heat stroke.
. On hot, humid days, keep your pets indoors, except to eliminate.
. If they must be outside, provide plenty of shade and fresh water.
. Make sure that your pet can't spill the water source. Or use several bowls in different places.
. Plan ahead and make sure the shade will still be available as the sun changes.
. Never leave a pet unattended in a parked car, even for "just a minute."
. Leaving the windows partially rolled down will not help.
. Limit outdoor activity to the early morning and late evening, when temperatures are somewhat lower.
. Carry water with you when walking your dog.
. Notice any heavy panting, loss of energy, weakness, stumbling, or any of the signs listed above.
. If your pet seems to suffer from the heat, stop in a shaded area and give some fresh water.
. If things don't improve quickly, please don't procrastinate and take your pet to your vet.
. Cool your pet down with a spray bottle or a garden hose.
. Let your pet play in a cool water "bath" or a kiddy pool.
. Add ice cubes to the water bowl to keep water cooler longer
. Shave your pet's hair.
My take?
. Heat stroke is no joke. Don't let it happen to your pet!
. Now is a good time to learn how to take your pet's rectal temperature. Ask your vet or a nurse to show you how to do it safely with a digital thermometer (hopefully you don't have one with mercury. Those are dangerous and should be banned!).
. If you see a pet locked in a car, please call your local animal authorities immediately. You may feel weird about it, but you may save a life!
. In California, it is illegal to leave a pet unattended in a motor vehicle under conditions that could endanger the animal's health.
Where can I read more about heat stroke?
It that a trick question? Of course, at
www.drphilzeltzman.com under "Surgical Topics".
You can also check out
www.mydogiscool.com
This site is designed to help spread the word about the dangers of hot cars.
Resources include downloadable posters and "It's hot!" flyers that can be used when a dog is left in a hot car.
There is an "Is it Too Hot?" weather forecasting tool that allows you to just enter your zip code and see if it's too hot to take your pal along in the car.
Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS
www.drphilzeltzman.com
Calendar
Summer/heat reminder/warning!!!
