Treating the K9 Officer

[kuo34]

We've gone over the equipment to treat "tactical" injuries, but I didn't see anything regarding canine injuries. An officer at the city asked for a first aid kit for canines, but he wanted to be able to address canine injuries as well as injuries sustained by people vs his canine (including himself). Anyone put something like this together before? I'd imagine it'd be geared towards puncture wounds and such, but anyone with experienced input would be welcome. Same goes for treating canines.

[Arizonaffcep]

While I have no experience with K9s (other than as pets), I would imagine that it should have things to treat open wounds...4x4's, trauma pads, kling, etc. Unless ALS...stay away from IV's, etc.

[kuo34]

Righto. I figure the usual trauma stuff would be good. I'm just wondering what little tips and tricks might be good on a K9.

[Dustdevil]

Seems that the choice of supplies would not be so much an issue as the choice of training. Handlers all get a K9 first aid course, and that should be your first step. But I'd also consult with the department vet to see what specific things you might need to learn or know, possibly including advanced measures.

As for treating bite wounds, keep in mind that animal bites will not be closed at the hospital. In fact, at the hospital they will probably encourage bleeding, along with robust irrigation. So, unless the haemorrhage is significantly threatening, such wounds are best dressed loosely, without compression, to allow the wound to irrigate itself. And isotonic saline irrigation at the scene, as soon as possible, would be recommended before dressing, if any.

[kuo34]

All the homework I've done so far seems to support all the info in here so far. Saline flushes and 4x4s will be the bulk of it. I do agree that I need to talk to a vet and see what kind of dog specific care might be out there (and probably should see what a K9 first aid course consists of).

[Doczilla]

The most important dog-centered thing to include would be a muzzle. Injured dogs will bite, claw, and head butt even people known to them.

BLS care is the same for dogs as for humans. Bandages, gauze, coban (vet wrap) are fine. IV fluid bags can double for irrigation.

If doing extended care in a remote environment, surgical wire is necessary for repairing lacerated paw pads.

For medications, many standard injection medications that you would carry for humans would work for dogs (morphine, dilaudid, versed, valium, ketamine, etomidate, propofol, saline, LR, D5, etc). Dogs suck up much bigger doses of narcs and benzos than humans do.

Morphine: 0.5mg/kg IM or SQ (avoid IV administration if possible)

Dilaudid: 0.1mg/kg IV, IM, or SQ

Valium: 0.2 mg/kg IV

Versed: 0.25mg/kg IV or IM

Propofol: 4-6mg/kg IV

Ketamine: 5mg/kg IV

IV access can be obtained through the cephalic vein (prominent vein running down the lateral part of the foreleg), but is not always necessary. You can put 1L of IVF into the skin on the back of the neck, which will infiltrate into the bloodstream for rehydration.

PO medications are very different. Tylenol and human NSAIDs can be deadly.

For dogs: meloxicam, deracoxib, and tramadol are okay. A single PO dose of 325 mg of enteric coated aspirin in a large breed dog will be okay in a pinch.

Disclaimer: I'm a people doctor, not a doggie doctor. Ask your vet for real advice.

'zilla

[spenac]

Don't forget O2 masks designed for dogs.

[hammerpcp]

And a razor (or five).

[Richard B the EMT]

Don't forget O2 masks designed for dogs.

There are such animals? (Sorry. Couldn't resist)

What about an infant Non re Breather (NRB), with no attempt to seal against the dog's nose? I have no experience in this, and am guessing.

Just realized the unintentional joke,,,Canine and "Seal". Add the fish, as I said that on porpoise, for the halibut!

Somebody stop me!

[spenac]

http://vet101.com/crowe_what_when_vet_away...thm_bartoli.htm