Library
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Medical emergencies occur suddenly and without warning. It is important for dog owners to understand common veterinary medical emergencies and basic first aid for their pets. This handout provides guidelines to follow in the event that your dog is experiencing shock and/or requires rescue breathing or CPR.
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Even though dogs have four feet, it only takes a stumble on one foot to make a dog tumble down. Dogs that fall from heights can suffer sprains, broken bones, head trauma, and chest or abdominal injuries. Small dogs can incur injuries from falling much smaller distances. Serious injuries need to be evaluated immediately by your veterinarian, but there are steps you can take at home to prepare your pet to be transported to your veterinary hospital.
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Insect stings or bites can cause mild signs of swelling, pain, and itching or can be more severe causing hives, anaphylactic reactions, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, or seizures. In more severe cases emergency veterinary attention is required to stabilize the dog, screen for organ dysfunction, and provide supportive care.
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Dogs limp when they have a hurt leg. Although most limps need veterinary attention, there are a few first-aid measures you can perform at home if your dog begins to hobble. If your dog is in severe pain, take them to your veterinary hospital or emergency hospital immediately.
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A dog’s tail is an extension of its spine, so it is an important part of its anatomy. Tail injuries are common and can sometimes be managed with home first aid, but some cases require veterinary care. This article outlines some common canine tail injuries and how they should be treated.
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If your dog limps, or licks at his pads, he may have a foot pad that is torn, punctured, or burned. Minor injuries may be treated at home, by cleaning and covering the wound, but deeper or complicated wounds require veterinary attention. Try to avoid foot injuries in your dog by surveying the areas where your dog plays and walks.
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Frostbite is the damage that is caused to the skin and other tissues due to extreme cold. The paws, ears, and tail are the most common tissues to be affected. If you suspect your dog has frostbite, you should seek medical attention immediately. Mild cases of frostbite usually resolve with little permanent damage, while more severe frostbite may result in permanent disfiguration or alteration of the affected tissues.
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A gastropexy is a surgical procedure that is sometimes performed in large-breed dogs to prevent gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat – a life-threatening condition. This handout explains how the procedure works, how it is used preventatively and in emergency situations, risk factors, and post-operative care.
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While a favorite healthy snack for people, grapes, raisins, and currants can cause kidney failure in dogs. Fortunately, dogs who receive prompt decontamination and treatment prior to symptoms developing are more likely to have a good prognosis following exposure.
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Heat stroke is another term for hyperthermia. Dogs suffering from heatstroke can have varied signs, from high respiratory rate to coma, depending on their temperature. Dogs cannot control their body temperature by sweating, as humans do; panting is their primary way of regulating body temperature.
