The Case of the Collapsing Dog
FAST ultrasound reveals free fluid in the abdomen of a collapsed dog. This finding makes you suspicious of this condition.
What is a hemoabdomen?
This monitoring tool measures a patient's oxygen saturation and is commonly placed on the tongue, lip, or paw.
What is a pulse oximeter (SpO₂)?
A patient with shock receives IV fluids. The goal is not simply to increase blood pressure but to improve this.
What is tissue perfusion?
This medication is commonly given during CPR to stimulate the heart and increase vascular tone.
What is epinephrine?
This white blood cell is typically elevated in response to a bacterial infection or severe inflammation.
What is a neutrophil?
A 7-year-old Great Dane presents with restlessness, non-productive retching, hypersalivation, and a distended abdomen. What is the most likely diagnosis?
What is Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)? [1]
A patient receiving IV fluids develops crackles, increased respiratory effort, and worsening oxygenation. The team is concerned about this complication.
What is fluid overload?
These fluids are commonly used as initial therapy for many shock patients because they quickly expand intravascular volume.
What are isotonic crystalloids?
This treatment protects the heart during severe hyperkalemia but does not lower potassium levels.
What is calcium gluconate?
A patient in shock has poor perfusion. This blood value can increase when tissues are not receiving enough oxygen.
What is lactate?
The two main, toxic chemical ingredients in dark chocolate that cause tachycardia and arrhythmias are theobromine and....
What is caffeine?
This specific, widely used fluid additive is fatal if bolused directly into an IV line rather than given as a slow continuous infusion (CRI).
What is Potassium Chloride (KCl)?
A patient with heart disease may be at higher risk of this complication from aggressive fluid therapy.
What is pulmonary edema? What is albumin?
A critical patient has lost their peripheral pulse. This alternative technique accesses the vascular bed directly within the bone marrow to administer emergency fluids and drugs.
What is Intraosseous (IO) access?
A patient with prolonged vomiting has increased bicarbonate due to loss of gastric acid. This acid-base disorder occurs.
What is metabolic alkalosis?
A dog presents after eating an entire bag of chocolate. The toxic ingredient you are concerned about is this stimulant.
What is theobromine?
This value helps determine whether a patient is adequately ventilating by measuring carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
What is PaCO₂?
A patient with severe hypoalbuminemia develops peripheral edema. This protein is responsible for maintaining oncotic pressure.
What is albumin?
This specific monitoring device measures the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled, confirming adequate chest compressions during CPR.
What is End-Tidal CO₂ (EtCO₂)?
A patient has severe vomiting and diarrhea. Bloodwork shows decreased sodium and increased potassium. This emergency should be considered.
What is Addisonian crisis (hypoadrenocorticism)?
A dog presents with collapse, muffled heart sounds, and jugular distension. This life-threatening condition involving fluid around the heart is suspected.
What is pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade?
A patient with persistent hypoxemia despite oxygen supplementation has diffuse lung injury. This life-threatening syndrome may be occurring.
What is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?
A patient with kidney disease receives aggressive fluids but stops producing urine. This finding is concerning for:
What is oliguria/anuria?
This procedure involves cutting a hole in the chest wall to relieve a tension pneumothorax or allow for thoracic drainage.
What is a Thoracocentesis?
A dog has severe anemia with spherocytes, autoagglutination, and increased bilirubin. The most likely diagnosis is:
What is immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA)?