|
Dove Lewis
Saves Dogs from Heatstroke at Annual Doggie Dash
(Portland,
Oregon May 22, 2000) Dove Lewis, Portland's only nonprofit
emergency/critical care animal hospital, helped keep Portland's
annual Doggie Dash last Saturday from turning into a veterinary
crisis by providing emergency treatment for six dogs suffering
from heat stroke. Dove Lewis and the Portland Veterinary Medical
Association donate emergency triage services as well as pre
and post event physicals for the four-legged contestants.
This routine service can become a life or death situation
if the weather turns warm as it did for this year's event.
"Heat
stroke doesn't just happen to dogs locked in cars on hot days,"
said Dr. Trevor Garb, Dove Lewis veterinarian on duty at the
event. "Poorly conditioned dogs undergoing unusually strenuous
exercise on moderately warm, sunny days can find themselves
in a serious health situation."
Dogs,
like their owners, need to be conditioned and acclimated to
the effects of strenuous exercise. Owners need to take this
factor into account when planning combined outdoor activities,
whether a race or a Frisbee-catching activity at the local
park.
Dogs do
not sweat like humans and can quickly find themselves with
an accelerated temperature if shade is not available or the
amount of panting necessary to reduce the temperature isn't
able to take place. Dogs with heart or respiratory disease
and short-nosed breeds with pug faces are especially predisposed
to this type of exertionally-induced heat stroke. Symptoms
of heat stroke include excessive panting, staring, anxiety,
refusal to obey commands, warm, dry skin, high fever, rapid
heartbeat, vomiting and collapse.
"We were
able to revive five of the six heat stroke victims at the
Doggie Dash," said Dr. Garb, "by administering fluids intravenously.
One greyhound, however, had to be transported by the Dove
Lewis ambulance to our Central Hospital for further treatment.
I am happy to say we saved him, too."
Make sure
your pet is not among heat stroke victims this summer. Ensure
adequate shelter from sun/midday heat; keep outdoor kennels
well-ventilated and in the shade; provide plenty of fresh
water in a bowl that cannot be tipped over; avoid excessive
exercise on hot days and consider a summer haircut for long-haired
dogs.
Founded
in 1973, Dove Lewis is supported by treatment fees, donations
and gifts. A referral emergency and critical care facility,
Dove Lewis serves over 12,000 animals each year. Celebrating
the human-animal bond, Dove Lewis is known for its community
service programs such as Pet Assisted Therapy, Pet Loss Support,
the Pet Fostering Network and the Blood Donor Program. Persons
interested in volunteering with Dove Lewis or who want more
information should call (503) 228-7282 or visit us on the
web at www.dovelewis.org.
|
www.dogandkennel.com
