[NYRESCUE]

Diet. A K-9's diet is usually based on a few things, most of them common sense: age, weight in relation to size, and any medical conditions (allergies, etc). Usually your Vet or home kennel will provide the dog's diet.

CPR:

A. Airway
Carefully pull the tongue out of the animal's mouth
WARNING: even an unresponsive dog may bite by instinct!!

Make sure that the neck is reasonably straight; try to bring the head in-line with the neck.
WARNING: Do not hyperextend in cases where neck trauma exists

Attempt 2 rescue breaths, by closing the mouth, and performing mouth-to-nose ventilations. If they go in with no problems continue to B-Breathing.

Reposition the neck and try step 3 again.
Visibly inspect the airway by looking into the mouth, and down the throat for foreign objects occluding the airway. Unlike human-CPR, rescuers may reach into the airway and remove foreign objects that are visible
Proceed to the Heimlich maneuver

A. Heimlich
After attempting to ventilate:

Turn the animal upside down, with its back against your chest

With both arms, give 5 sharp thrusts (bear hugs) to the abdomen. Perform each thrust as if it is the one that will expel the object

Stop, check to see if the object is visible in the airway, if so, remove it and give 2 mouth-nose rescue breaths. If the breaths do not go in, go back to step 1

B. Breathing
After achieving a patent airway, one must determine whether the animal is breathing, and whether this breathing is effective:

Carefully pull the tongue out of the animalÕs
mouth
WARNING: even an unresponsive dog may bite by instinct!!

Make sure that the neck is reasonably straight; try to bring the head in-line with the neck.
WARNING: Do not hyperextend in cases where neck trauma exists

Ventilate the animal by closing the mouth, and performing mouth-to-nose ventilations. If they do not go in with ease go to A-Airway

Ventilate at 20 breaths per minute If supplemental Oxygen is available, and the animal is breathing on its own, use a high-flow blowby.
WARNING: Do not attempt to intubate the animal, without prior training, and properly sized ET tubes.

Proceed to C-Circulation, while continuing respiratory support as necessary

C. Circulation
This is the final step of CPR and should only be initiated after the airway and breathing steps have been completed:

Make sure that there are no major (pooling/spurting blood) points of bleeding. Control as necessary

Lay the animal on its right side

Locate your hands where its left elbow touches the chest. Approximately the middle of the rib-cage

Compress the chest 15 times followed by 2 rescue breaths (3 compressions every 2 seconds)

Compress
1/2" - small dogs
1" - medium dogs <
1.5" - large dogs
Repeat as necessary

Important:
Animals do not have palpable carotid pulses. You can only obtain a femoral pulse in the inguinal crease. (Palpate carefully on a conscious dog!)

That's basic CPR/Heimlich for a dog. I JUST FUCKING FINISHED typing this shit out when I found a link to a website with the same shit, and since theirs made better sense than mine, I deleted mine and copied & pasted theirs.

There's also alot of other good info about dogs on a few other sites. I'll copy/paste here, and post links at the bottom for further perusal.

Common Injuries/Prevention/Other cool K-9 stuff
*Note: I'm not a vet. These are observations from working as a dog handler for nearly 3 years*

Paw/Pad injuries: Dogs have alot of veins in their paws, and when cut, can bleed like a sum'bitch. Watch for paw injuries, as they can bleed like hell. They've also got a few pretty strong veins running the length of their forearms/shins (whatever the fuck you want to call 'em). See more on this down further.

When working in an environment that a dog wasn't designed for - i.e. rough concrete - watch the pads on their paws. These can get pretty tore up and get tore up bad, and then it's a real bitch for the dog (pardon the pun). These need vet treatment if they get bad, as the dog will naturally continue to lick at this and can make it worse (tearing the scabs) and cause intense pain, thus limiting the effectiveness of your dog.

Bloat: Bloat occours when you feed a dog and/or water a dog too much either immediately before or after a work session, or immediately before/after getting the dog very worked up, excited, etc. Unfortunately its common among larger breeds of dogs - like the ones we usually use at work - and is probally the most common cause of Working K-9 deaths.

Imagine a water balloon. Now, grab that water balloon, fill it up, tie it off. Grab the end of the balloon by the knot, then grab the exact opposite end with your other hand. Now, stretch it out a bit. That's kinda what a dog's stomach is like - a pouch filled with stuff (food, water, etc).

Now, holding onto those ends of the water balloon, spin it around in your hands so that the front & back ends of the balloon are all twisted and fucked up. That's what a dog's stomach is like when they bloat. Basically, the dogs stomach flips on itself, cutting the stomach off, and (in severe cases) spilling bile & fluids into the dogs body, poisoning it. The dog's also unable to expell much gas, and - if you're looking at the dog - the dog's abdomen area will look swollen, like if it swallowed a soccer ball.

SEEK EMERGENCY VET ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY!!

Bloat's a killer, folks. While in the AF, I've known two dogs that have bloated, and have heard about a few more. It *can* be treated, if caught early enough. Watch your dog, know your dog.

How to prevent: Feed your dog twice a day, once early AM and then again in the PM. Give the dog a couple hours before & after feedings to calm down and relax. Watch the ammount of water you give the dog in one sitting - the rule we used in K-9 school was take an issued canteen cup, fill it up as deep as the width of your fore & middle fingers (usually about an inch/ inch & 1/2 of water). Instead of alot of water at once, give him a little water alot.

Good info to know:

Capillary refill time: less than 1 second

Mucous membrane color: generally pink

Temperature: 101 to 102 degrees F

Pulse rate at rest:
young dogs 110 - 120 bpm
large breed adult 60-80 bpm
small breed adult 80 - 120 bpm

Respiratory rate:
young 20 - 25
adult 14 - 16

Hydration: pick up skin and release, it should return within 1 second

Capillary refill time is measured by pressing on the gums over the canine tooth. Using one finger, press down firmly until the gums turn white under your finger and release. You are looking for the time it took for the color to return. Also, note the color of your dogs gums and mouth. Dogs gum color can vary from black, pink, reddish brown or any combination of colors.

Temperature is taken rectally with an adult rectal thermometer. You should hold it in place for 1 to 2 minutes. If you get a temperature of less than 100 degrees F, re-take the temperature to make sure the thermometer was in place long enough.

The pulse rate and respiration rate will vary from dog to dog, and will also vary if the dog is at rest or working. So, it is a good idea to get normal values for both.

RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF SHOCK

Shock is a condition resulting from a depressed state of many vital body functions, caused by a lack of effective circulation. It is a life threatening condition that is reversible if treated in time. Some causes of shock are; severe loss of blood, burns, trauma, snake bites, poison, lack of oxygen, or prolonged vomiting with diarrhea.

Symptoms of shock include:

Pale color in gums / inside eyelids, capillary refill time greater than 2 seconds.
Dry lips and gums, dehydration.
Excessive drooling in some poison cases.
Weak femoral pulse, rapid 150 to 200 beats per minute.
Rapid heart rate.
Cool Extremities.
Hyperventilation, rapid breathing generally over 25 breaths per minute.
Confusion, restless, anxiousness.
General weakness.

Advanced stages of shock:

Continued depression and weakness to the point of not being able to move or becoming unresponsive or unconscious.
Dilated pupils.
Capillary refill time greater than 4 seconds.
White mucous membranes.
Body temperature below 98 degrees F, taken rectally.
Treatment

ABC's
Insure adequate ventilation.
Control any bleeding.
Keep dog quiet and calm to prevent further injury.
Keep body temperature normal.
Get dog to veterinarian so fluid replacement and medication can be started.

An injured dog or an animal in shock may not recognize you. Your own dog may bite you out of pain or fear. It is very important to talk to the dog in very soft and reassuring tones. If the dog is having trouble breathing or panting heavily do not put a muzzle on it. If a muzzle is placed on the dog it must be monitored at all times and removed at the first sign of overheating or vomiting. Get help, if possible from someone who can help hold the dog, so you can do an examination and/or treat the dog.

WOUNDS AND BLEEDING

Abrasions

Usually minor.
Some bleeding.
Always a possibility of infection.
Treatment

Carefully remove foreign objects and debris.
May have to cut or clip hair away from area.
Clean wound liberally with water and chlorhexidine or Betadine scrubs or solutions if available. If not, any soap will be beneficial. Solution does not have to be rinsed, scrub must be rinsed copiously. (Avoid using hydrogen peroxide. It can damage tissue.)

Major lacerations and bleeding

Can be life threatening.
May need to be sutured by a vet.
Treatment

Control bleeding. 1. Additional direct pressure
2. Elevation
3. Pressure points
Get professional help right away. Also see the above treatment for laceration

Bandaging principles
Protect wound from further injury or infection.
Discourage licking.
Restrict movement.
Secure splint.
Prevent weight bearing.
Provide compression to control bleeding and edema.
Verify circulation is maintained to toes, make sure to cushion pads.

FRACTURES AND SUSPECTED FRACTURES

Signs and Symptoms

Obvious pain
Loss of use of the limb
Protruding bone
Swelling
Irregularity or deformity
Limping
Treatment

Remember, shock and bleeding should be controlled first.
Treat dislocation as fracture.
Do not push bone back through skin.
Cover an open fracture with clean dressing.
Limb fracture below elbow or knee apply a Robert Jones bandage from toes to shoulder or hip.
Unfortunately, there is no agreed upon or standard for first aid for a fracture of the humerus or femur.
Transport to appropriate facilities ASAP.

Splinting principles

Immobilization of fracture or suspected fracture. (This requires immobilization of both the joint above and the joint below the fracture.)
Decrease pain.
Prevent shock.
Prevent further injury to surrounding tissue.
Provide compression to control bleeding and edema.

EMERGENCY AND TRAUMA

SNAKE BITES

Signs/Symptoms

Pain
Lethargy
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Salivation, thirsty
Swelling at the area of the bite
Shock
Treatment

Seek immediate veterinary care. While transporting, immobilize the part of the animal that has been bitten, keeping below the heart level. A constricting band may be used, with caution, to impede the spread of the venom. Keep the animal calm and confined during the transport. If you can identify the snake species, it may be helpful in treatment.

STINGS

Signs/Symptoms

Pain
Swelling and redness
Pawing at face
Snapping in the air
Treatment

If you see the stinger, get it out. Cool compression will help alleviate the sting. Give oral benedryl (diphenhydramine 2-4mg/kg orally every 8 hours). Seek medical attention if swelling persists/gets worse or if the sting is near the head/neck/throat area.

HEAT EXHAUSTION

Signs/Symptoms

Fatigue
Circulatory collapse
Red mucous membrane (gums)
Excessive panting
Dehydration
Shaking
Treatment

Seek shade, rest the dog, offer small amounts of water. Seek veterinary care if condition does not improve.

HEAT STROKE

Signs/Symptoms

Excessive panting
Rectal temperature above 105-106 degrees F
Disorientation
Weakness
Rapid pulse/breathing
Brick red mucous membranes
Treatment

Get the dog into shade, into a creek if available. Use same precautions as with human, don't use ice water bath. Slowly cool down the body temperature, immerse in a cool water bath. Ice can be placed, with caution, under armpits, head, neck, and groin area, being sure to wrap in cloth first. Monitor temperature, avoiding cooling too much. Transport to veterinary hospital.

POISON

Signs/Symptoms

Breathing difficulty
Unusual actions
Digestive upset
Irregular heart, rapid, or weak
Shivering
Convulsions
Salivation

There are many different types of poisoning, each will affect your dog differently. Many do not produce immediate symptoms. Find out what your local poison control number is and call them. Keep 1-800-548-2423 with you. Do not make the dog vomit if it is a caustic poison or you do not know what kind of poison the dog has consumed. Consult poison control or a veterinarian for further instructions.

Types of poisons and a brief reaction description are:

Anti Coagulant Rodenticides
Warfarin

These rodenticides will cause the dog's blood to stop clotting in hours or a day. This does not show immediate signs like other poisons. Make your dog vomit, further veterinary care is necessary for survival. Seek immediate veterinary care bringing the box of poison with you.

Other Rodenticides
ANTU
Thallium
Pindone
Strychnine
Sodium Floro-acetate (1080)
Zinc Phosphide

May cause fatal pulmonary edema, seizures, liver or kidney destruction, or severe hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. If the dog is conscious, induce vomiting, give Toxiban, collect the product label, and transport to the veterinarian.

Pesticides
Arsenic
Chlorinated Hydrocarbons
Organophosphates
Carbonates
Rotenone
Metaldehyde
The signs are more immediate for most of these. General profuse salivation, stomach pain and cramps, labored breathing, bluish mucous membranes, seizures/convulsions, rigidity, extended legs and many other signs. IMMEDIATELY SEEK VETERINARY CARE.


Glycol's
Antifreeze

Signs may not be readily apparent. The dog may actually appear a bit "drunken". The fatal effect of ethylene glycol occurs hours later and is irreversible at that point. Immediately rinse the dogs mouth, feet and any other points of contact. Induce vomiting if conscious and give Toxiban. Transport immediately to veterinarian.

Miscellaneous poisons
Acid
Alkalies
Garbage
Toxic plants
Chocolate
Acid - Clean off what you can see, do not induce vomiting, transport to vet.
Alkalies - Clean off what you can see, do not induce vomiting, transport to vet.
Garbage - Remove what you can, induce vomiting, give activated charcoal....do not give lomotil.
Toxic plants - Take a sample of the suspected plant to a local veterinarian.
Chocolate - If more than 1 oz/kg of baking chocolate is consumed, or 2 oz/kg of semi-sweet chocolate, or 4 oz/kg of Milk chocolate, induce vomiting, give activated charcoal and transport to vet. (note, the fat content of some milk chocolate products can cause life threatening pancreatitis).

Minor Anatomy

Veins for IV's: Usually the easiest/best vein to use for a K-9 IV is the one found on their fore-legs (or on their "shins" if you will). There's a major vein that runs pretty much right up the middle of the fore-legs, and can be found fairly easy.

The other vein is their femoral artery, which is located on the inside of their rear thighs. Take your hand as if you were passing someone a plate (or making an alligator hand puppet), and grab the dog on the rear of their thigh with your fingers inside the thigh. It should be fairly easy to find.

That's it for now. My eyes are getting blurry and I might have fucked up a term or two I'll take a look back at this after a bit of a rest and see what I forgot to add/address.

Links:
http://www.k9forensi...k9firstaid.html
http://www.hornbecks...rnbecks/art-140