SUMMER, SUN AND……HEATSTROKE – by Dr Lizinda Spies

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SUMMER, SUN AND…

For us, summertime is synonymous with socializing & braai, swimming & sunbathing. But what does this mean for our four-legged companions? There are a few risks for our pets. Not only are they more predisposed to infectious & parasitic diseases, seasonal allergies but also sunburn & skin cancers. But a potential lethal complication, is …

…HEATSTROKE

Heatstroke is an elevation in body temperature not associated with fever/inflammation/infection, which occurs when a patient’s own heat-dissipating mechanisms cannot cope with excessive external heat. This is typically associated with temperatures of 41 degrees Celsius or higher, & is potentially fatal as it leads to failure of multiple organ systems.

  • NORMAL HEAT DISSIPATION
    • Cats & dogs cannot respond to heat in the same way we do, as we have sweat glands all over our bodies that help with temperature regulation, they only have a few in their feet & around their noses.
    • Many animals rely on panting & external cooling to loose heat.
  • CAUSES & RISKS
    • Excessive environmental heat & humidity – this can be due to a very hot day (like we recently experienced) or being enclosed in an unventilated space like a room or CAR.
    • Inadequate shade & drinking water
    • Narrow upper airways or disease of the nose, nasal passages, throat &/or windpipe that inhibits effective breathing.
      • Here our brachycephalic breeds (short-nosed, flat-faced) breeds like bulldogs, pugs & Persian cats are at risk
    • Obese patients, very old or young patients, thick hair coats
    • Underlying heart or lung disease/conditions
    • Excessive exercise in warm weather

 

  • SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
    • BEHAVIOUR – in cats we can see restless behaviour & excessive grooming in an attempt to cool down, dogs can appear distressed/anxious
    • MOUTH – heavy panting, excessive drooling (thick & sticky saliva), red/purple gums & tongue, vomiting (can contain blood), excessive thirst
    • EYES – glassy eyes, fearful expression
    • HEART/LUNGS – racing heartbeat, irregular heart rhythm, difficult breathing
    • BODY – high temperature, dehydration, bloody/black diarrhoea
    • LEGS – collapsing or staggering, falling down, appear drunk
    • BRAIN – seizures/fits, unconsciousness
  • TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT
    • EARLY RECOGNITION OF HEATSTOKE IS KEY TO PROMPT RECOVERY & MINIMIZING ORGAN DAMAGE
    • Remove dog/cat from hot area
    • START COOLING AT HOME/ON WAY TO VETERINARIAN – spraying down with cool water, immerse entire body in cool water, wrap in cool wet towels, place a bag of ice/frozen veggies between the legs. Apply convection cooling with a fan.
      • It’s important to note to NOT USE ICE OR VERY COLD WATER – this will cause the little blood vessels on the surface of body to constrict & prevent heat loss
      • A shivering response is also undesirable as it generates more internal heat
      • Avoid cooling too rapidly or too quick, as this can lead to other health issues
    • GET THEM DRINKING IF ABLE TO DRINK
    • GET VETERINARY ATTENTION ASAP
  • POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
    • Blood clotting disorders, kidney failure, brain swelling to name a few.
  • PREVENTIONKeep pets with predisposing conditions (heart disease, obesity, old age, breathing problems) in a cool, well-ventilated space with adequate shade.
    • Provide access to cool, clean water at all times
      • As some dogs have the tendency to knock over bowls, always have few extra water bowls in different places
    • Provide adequate shade for pets living outside
    • NEVER EVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN A HOT PARKED CAR, EVEN IF IN THE SHADE OR FOR SHORT TIMES – the temperature in a car can quickly reach 60 degrees Celsius!!!
    • On a hot day, restrict exercise & don’t take your dog jogging with you
      • When exercising, carry a collapsible water dish at all times
    • Only take walks early in morning or late evening

Prevention is better than cure, as we can lose up to 50% of patients diagnosed with heatstroke. Only a small increase of 2 degrees Celsius in our pets’ temperature, can predispose them to heatstroke, & a patient can die within 15 minutes of heatstroke. Shocking!!!! Please be vigilant & aware of this lethal complication of summer.

 

 

 

 

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