Domestic Pets

Injury Guide

HYPOTHERMIA

Hypothermia involves cooling of the whole body, internally and externally,and can cause death by slowing down and finally stopping all metabolic functions.The conditions is serious but rare,and affects mainly puppies and old and weak animals

CAUSES

LONG EXPOSURE TO VERY LOW OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES: This can happen to animals caught in hard weather or without food or shelter, as may happen to animals lost in isolated spots in winter.The risk is increased if the animal does not have a thick coat for protection against the cold

ACCIDENTAL IMMERSION IN NEAR-FREEZING WATER: Even a few minutes in these condition can be enough to cause hypothermia

OTHER COMMON CAUSES: Injuries from blows and car accidents

ASSESSMENT

EXTERNAL EXAMINATION: Take the rectal temperature - if you have a thermometer available.Check the heartbeat is not too slow or irregular and that the animal stays conscious

If the temperature is below 37 degrees C, the heartbeat slow or erratic and the animal numb, additional and prompt help is needed from a vet

TREATMENT

WARMTH & SHELTER: Carry the animal promptly to a warm and sheltered place

DRY: If the animal is wet, dry it with towels, preferable warm ones

Avoid using electric driers as they evaporate the water too fast and can provoke further chilling

COVER: Cover the animal with warm woolen blankets and place it in a warm environment

Do not place it in front of any direct heat source, because sudden dilation of surface blood vessels can cause withdrawal of blood from internal organs and fatal collapse

Care should be taken to raise the temperature slowly

SEVERE CHILL: In case of severe chill, you could put the animal into a warm bath and massage it to reactivate surface circulation, again this needs caution

BODY TEMPERATURE: Body temperature tends to rise slowly and unpredictably

Take care to warm the animal slowly and watch for signs of improvement: a more lively apprearance, head movements, appearance of shivers and a faster, more regualr heartbeat

After about 20min, check the rectal temperature

*********************