Emergency Procedures for the Small Animal Veterinarian

Synopsis

Small animal veterinarians of all specialties and at all stages in their careers will find the new edition of Emergency Procedures for the Small Animal Veterinarian their invaluable one-stop shop for the information they need to provide optimal patient care in an emergency situation. Readers familiar with the previous edition will be pleased to see the text comprehensively updated, with much new content and many new features including an all-color design to make finding information easier than ever. Those coming to the book for the first time will appreciate its clarity of structure, its concise and practical approach and its step-by-step presentation of key information, all of which will prove their worth time and again in each new emergency, whatever the species. For those working as a solo doctor in an emergency practice, Emergency Procedures for the Small Animal Veterinarian third edition will fulfil the role of a substitute colleague when further information is needed quickly. No small animal clinician will want to be without a copy.

New to this edition

• Contains two new chapters on supportive care (fluid therapy, oxygen supplementation, analgesia, nutritional support) and shock
• Presents the latest recommendations for cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Includes the latest diagnostic testing regimens
• Offers current therapeutic recommendations including analgesia and nutritional support
• Dr Plunkett is joined by new co-authors for respiratory emergencies and emergencies of the urinary tract, and for a completely revised and augmented exotics chapter
• Contains major updates, revisions and expansions of the toxicologic emergencies chapter

All you need to know to manage every small animal emergency case you will encounter

Many excellent and practical appendices of drugs, poisons, lab data, haematology

Takes the diagnosis-prognosis-treatment approach to every emergency situation

Easy-to-access format, with concise text and lots of lists

Divided into organ systems, making it easy to locate information in a hurry

Handy information on what to tell the owner in emergency injury situations

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Summary

Chapter 1: Initial Assessment and Stabilization

* Objectives: Identify and prioritize life-threatening emergencies; perform a rapid physical exam; establish venous access and oxygen supplementation.
* Real example: A dog is presented in cardiac arrest. Immediate CPR and defibrillation are initiated while establishing intravenous access for medication administration.

Chapter 2: Basic Life Support

* Objectives: Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); manage airway patency; provide oxygen therapy.
* Real example: A cat is hit by a car and presents with respiratory distress. Oxygen is provided via a mask, and chest compressions are performed as needed.

Chapter 3: Cardiopulmonary Emergencies

* Objectives: Recognize and manage cardiac arrhythmias; treat cardiac tamponade; perform pericardiocentesis.
* Real example: A dog develops ventricular tachycardia. Antiarrhythmic medication is administered, and a defibrillator is on standby if necessary.

Chapter 4: Respiratory Emergencies

* Objectives: Diagnose and treat respiratory emergencies, such as upper airway obstruction, pneumothorax, and pleural effusion.
* Real example: A horse is diagnosed with pleural effusion. Thoracentesis is performed to remove the excess fluid and improve respiration.

Chapter 5: Neurological Emergencies

* Objectives: Recognize and manage neurological emergencies, such as seizures, head trauma, and spinal cord injury.
* Real example: A dog is presented with generalized seizures. Anticonvulsant medication is administered, and the underlying cause of the seizures is investigated.

Chapter 6: Gastrointestinal Emergencies

* Objectives: Diagnose and treat gastrointestinal emergencies, such as gastric dilatation-volvulus, intestinal obstruction, and pancreatitis.
* Real example: A dog presents with acute vomiting and abdominal distension. Gastric dilatation-volvulus is suspected, and immediate surgery is performed to decompress the stomach.

Chapter 7: Genitourinary Emergencies

* Objectives: Recognize and manage genitourinary emergencies, such as urinary tract obstruction, pyometra, and peritonitis.
* Real example: A female cat presents with an enlarged abdomen and straining to urinate. Urinary tract obstruction is confirmed and relieved with a urinary catheter.

Chapter 8: Metabolic and Endocrine Emergencies

* Objectives: Diagnose and treat metabolic and endocrine emergencies, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia, and Addison's disease.
* Real example: A dog is presented with vomiting, lethargy, and weakness. Blood tests reveal severe hypoglycemia, which is treated with intravenous glucose.

Chapter 9: Toxicologic Emergencies

* Objectives: Identify and manage toxicologic emergencies, including chemical ingestion, snake bites, and plant poisoning.
* Real example: A dog ingests chocolate, which contains theobromine. Gastric lavage and activated charcoal are administered to absorb the toxin.

Chapter 10: Animal Bites and Trauma

* Objectives: Manage animal bites and traumatic injuries, including lacerations, fractures, and burns.
* Real example: A horse sustains a severe laceration on its leg. The wound is cleaned and sutured, and antibiotics are prescribed.