Triage Categories and Examples

Maintains adequate blood flow, restores fluid balance, treats dehydration, and corrects electrolyte Imbalances, restoring blood circulation and cardiac function in shock or low blood volume.

Fluid loss from the interstitial space (the space between cells).

Insufficient blood volume in the blood vessels (intravascular space).

Calculation for rehydration considers the patient's weight, dehydration percentage, daily fluid needs, and ongoing fluid losses.

2-6 ml/kg/hour.

2-3 ml/kg/hour.

Do not exceed 0.5 mEq (mmol)/kg/hour.

Treat with isotonic crystalloids, aiming for a mean blood pressure of 60-90 mmHg, starting with 15-20 ml/kg within 10-15 minutes.

Add colloids if isotonic crystalloids fail. The doses are 5-10 ml/kg in dogs, and 1-5 ml/kg in cats.

Avoid hypertonic fluids in cases with high sodium levels or severe dehydration in dogs (4-5 ml/kg) and cats (2-4ml/kg).

Calculating glucose solution involves the desired concentration, total volume of isotonic solutions, and the existing glucose solution concentration.

Used to treat hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and maybe helpful in heatstroke and diabetes insipidus.

Blockage in the airways above the lungs, potentially impacting breathing.

Weakening or inability of the larynx (voice box) to function properly.

A condition where the trachea (windpipe) weakens and collapses.

Respiratory issues due to a short, broad face, common in breeds like Bulldogs.

Blockages in airways below the larynx.

Airway inflammation and narrowing, often triggered by allergens; a common cause of respiratory distress in animals.

Long-term inflammation of the bronchi (airways), often causing persistent coughing.

Lung infection caused by foreign material (foods, vomit) entering the lungs.

Fluid buildup in the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs.

Fluid buildup in the lungs due to heart problems (e.g., heart failure).

Fluid buildup in the lungs from causes other than heart problems.

Procedure to drain fluid or air from the chest cavity.

Pus in the chest cavity.

Milky fluid in the chest cavity.

Temporary tubes inserted through the nose to the esophagus to administer fluids or food.

Possible problems with an esophagostomy tube include cellulitis, displacement, clogging, and rare complications like pneumothorax or nerve damage.

Esophagostomy tubes for cats are typically 12-14 French (Fr), while those for large breed dogs are 18-22 Fr.

Used for long periods (weeks-months), in animals with facial/oral issues (wider diet selection available), and can be useful for treating animals that tolerate the tube well.

Emergency toxicosis management prioritizes airway, breathing, circulation, and dysfunction assessment, then supportive care.

Wash compromised eyes with saline (or suitable contact lens solution) or tepid water for 15-20 minutes to minimize further damage while preventing rubbing.

Use tepid water and liquid dish soap for oil-based toxins, consider clipping hair and prevent oral re-exposure.

Gentle tepid water decontamination is preferred for caustic, acidic, or alkaline toxicities, avoiding scrubbing and high-pressure water.

Thorough history and evaluation of the potential time frame and underlying medical conditions are essential before considering emesis.

Injury to the head, potentially causing external/internal bleeding or fractures, and/or neurological deficits.

Head injury causing abnormal mental state, loss of consciousness, abnormal pupil response, differing pupil sizes, absent gag reflex, abnormal breathing patterns, or rigidity.

Scale used to assess the level of consciousness after a head injury, providing insights into the patient's prognosis.

Elevated pressure within the skull, sometimes causing vomiting, altered mental status, Cushing's reflex, hypertension, bradycardia, abnormal breathing, anisocoria.

Decreases fluid in tissue, given slowly IV 10-15 minutes

A medication reduces ICP. Given at 0.25 mg/kg to 1mg/kg IV, every 4 hours if needed.

Avoid actively rewarming the patient if the patient is mildly hypothermic.

Consider a blood transfusion if PCV is less than 25.

Constant monitoring of vital parameters, pulse oximetry, blood pressure, end-tidal CO2.

Use a pure opioid, such as methadone or fentanyl at a constant rate.

Elevate the head 15-30 degrees to facilitate blood flow to the brain.

3-5 mg/kg twice daily.

PT monitoring should not be done during vitamin K1 administration due to potential false readings.

Vomiting, anorexia, and lethargy, appearing 6-12 hours after ingestion.

AKI (Acute Kidney Injury) signs like polyuria, oliguria, and dehydration, may appear later.

Ataxia, head pressing, disorientation, tremors, and seizures are CNS signs in cats.

Includes stabilization, oxygen, blood/plasma transfusions, oral vitamin K1, and hospitalization until PT normalizes.

Paresthesia, ear twitching, paw/tail licking, hiding, and hyperexcitability, appearing in minutes to hours.

Cats show weakness, tremors, shaking, ataxia, seizures, paralysis, and death.

Dogs show nervousness, application-site rubbing, agitation, leg shaking, and mild muscle fasciculation.

IV fluid support, thermoregulation, decontamination, benzodiazepines for seizures, and intravenous lipid emulsion (off-label).

Bloating, low blood pressure, pale gums, weakness, distressed breathing, subcutaneous bruising, shock, and collapse are signs.

Effusion (blood in abdomen) is usually red. PCV is measurable (<1%), and RBC count (over 0.5 -1 million/uL).

aFAST is an ultrasound technique used to identify free fluid in the abdomen.

Gastric dilatation volvulus; a life-threatening condition where the stomach swells and twists.

Factors that increase the chance of dogs getting GDV include deep chest, age (older dogs), previous family history, fast eating , dry food, and a nervous temperament.

GDV causes changes in the body due to stomach swelling and twisting in the chest, affecting blood flow and oxygen supply.

GDV is diagnosed via anamnesis(history), X-ray(thorax too, check for aspiration pneumonia), and lactate levels. Lactate levels give a good indication of survival rate.

Lactate levels are important indicators in GDV prognosis; low- post-op lactate decrease is favorable, low lactate post operation implies good outcomes.

Treating GDV involves stabilizing shock (hypovolemic, obstructive, distributive) using fluid therapy, antiemetics, antibiotics, and antiarrhythmics.

Fluid therapy for GDV involves isotonic solutions (first choice), possibly with colloids for severe cases; monitor vital signs every 15 mins.

Hypotensive GDV needs vasopressors/inotropes like dopamine or dobutamine to increase blood pressure.

Broad-spectrum antibiotics are used prior to and during surgery to treat toxemia.

GDV surgery focuses on invaginating or inverting the stomach by using a gastropexy procedure to hold stomach in the right place.

Post-op care of GDV involves monitoring hydration, blood pressure, and preventing more adverse events by using vasopressors if necessary, and other treatments, if necessary, to maintain MAP above 60 mmHg.

Post-operative pain management is important, using opioids like methadone or fentanyl, considering side effects of prolonged opioid use. For post-operative pain management use FLK.

Preventative gastropexy procedures can be done.