engleski

Heatstroke in dogs: protocol for diagnosis and therapy at the Clinic for internal diseases, Faculty of veterinary medicine, University of Zagreb

Heatstroke is an acute life-threatening progressive syndrome occuring because of an imbalance of heat dissipation and production. The syndrome is characterized by a nonpyrogenic elevation in body temperature (above 41C) and central nervous system dysfunction. Furthermore, varying degrees of organ dysfunction and coagulation abnormalities are frequent complications of this syndrome. Heatstroke is life-threatening emergency, so management is commenced while taking the history and performing the physical examination. The history reveals recent exposure to a hot and humid enivroment or sternuous physical exercise. Clinical signs include excessive panting, hyperemia, hypersalivation, tachycardia, dry mucous membranes and pathological neurological signs. Rapid laboratory assesment includes packed cell volume, total solids, dipstick blood urea nitrogen, dipstick glucose, electrolytes (Na and K) and blood smear. This is followed by analysis of complete blood count, chemistry screen, urinalysis and coagulation screen. Lowering the body temperature and supporting the vital organs is the goal of the treatment. General prinicples of care for critically ill patients are applied. This protocol is presented through two case reports of heatstroke with different outcomes.

heatstroke ; dog ; diagnosis ; therapy

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