17 Hypothermia Hypothermia is a condition in which an animal’s core body temperature falls below the normal physiological range for that species (approximately less than 37.5°C in dogs and cats). This may occur as a result of decreased heat production, increased heat loss or thermoregulatory dysfunction. Some causes of hypothermia are listed in Box 17.1. BOX 17.1 Causes of hypothermia • Inadequate thermoregulation – young puppies and kittens • Prolonged general anaesthesia, especially with open cavity surgery • Exposure to cold environment • Immersion in cold water • Trauma • Systemic disease (e.g. hypothyroidism, uraemia) Hypothermia is common in emergency patients and may have a variety of adverse effects. The severity of these adverse effects is likely to be correlated with the severity of hypothermia and they are summarized in Box 17.2. Peripheral vasoconstriction occurs and some animals show a cold diuresis. Hypothermia is particularly common in puppies and kittens, toy canine breeds, geriatric animals, cachectic animals and cats in general. BOX 17.2 Potential adverse effects of hypothermia • Cardiovascular system: initial tachycardia then bradycardia, hypotension, dysrhythmias • Respiratory system: reduced respiratory rate and depth (hypoxaemia, tissue hypoxia; pulmonary tissue injury) • Neurological system: depressed mentation (mild through to coma) Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue You may also needHypothyroidismRubber toy technique and alveoloplastyThe trauma patientFlea allergic dermatitisHydrocephalusCanine recurrent flank alopeciaRubber toy technique and orthodontic appliancesTooth shortening and endodontics, then extraction Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window) Related Tags: Saunders Solutions in Veterinary Practice Small Animal Emergency Sep 3, 2016 | Posted by admin in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Hypothermia
17 Hypothermia Hypothermia is a condition in which an animal’s core body temperature falls below the normal physiological range for that species (approximately less than 37.5°C in dogs and cats). This may occur as a result of decreased heat production, increased heat loss or thermoregulatory dysfunction. Some causes of hypothermia are listed in Box 17.1. BOX 17.1 Causes of hypothermia • Inadequate thermoregulation – young puppies and kittens • Prolonged general anaesthesia, especially with open cavity surgery • Exposure to cold environment • Immersion in cold water • Trauma • Systemic disease (e.g. hypothyroidism, uraemia) Hypothermia is common in emergency patients and may have a variety of adverse effects. The severity of these adverse effects is likely to be correlated with the severity of hypothermia and they are summarized in Box 17.2. Peripheral vasoconstriction occurs and some animals show a cold diuresis. Hypothermia is particularly common in puppies and kittens, toy canine breeds, geriatric animals, cachectic animals and cats in general. BOX 17.2 Potential adverse effects of hypothermia • Cardiovascular system: initial tachycardia then bradycardia, hypotension, dysrhythmias • Respiratory system: reduced respiratory rate and depth (hypoxaemia, tissue hypoxia; pulmonary tissue injury) • Neurological system: depressed mentation (mild through to coma) Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue You may also needHypothyroidismRubber toy technique and alveoloplastyThe trauma patientFlea allergic dermatitisHydrocephalusCanine recurrent flank alopeciaRubber toy technique and orthodontic appliancesTooth shortening and endodontics, then extraction Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window) Related Tags: Saunders Solutions in Veterinary Practice Small Animal Emergency Sep 3, 2016 | Posted by admin in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Hypothermia
