Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

Treatment: Apply warm (not hot) water soaks to the frostbitten part for
20 minutes, or until the tissue becomes flushed. Never use snow or ice; tissue
damage is made much more severe if thawing is followed by refreezing. Do not
rub or massage the affected parts. Handle them carefully. Take your dog to a
veterinarian for further evaluation and treatment.
Note that as sensation returns, frostbitten parts can be painful. Prevent the
dog from biting at the skin and inflicting further injury using the restraint
techniques described in Handling and Restraint, page 2. The total extent of
damage may not be apparent for a week or more.
Dehydration
EMERGENCIES • 19
Dehydration occurs when a dog loses body fluids faster than he can replace
them. Dehydration usually involves the loss of both water and electrolytes. In
dogs, the most common causes of dehydration are severe vomiting and diarrhea.
Dehydration can also be caused by inadequate fluid intake, often associated
with fever and severe illness. A rapid loss of fluids also occurs with heat
stroke (see page 42).
A prominent sign of dehydration is loss of skin elasticity. When the skin
along the back is pulled up, it should spring back into place. In a dehydrated
animal, the skin stays up in a ridge.
Another sign of dehydration is dryness of the mouth. The gums, which
should be wet and glistening, become dry and tacky. The saliva is thick and
tenacious. In an advanced case, the eyes are sunken and the dog exhibits signs
of shock, including collapse.
Treatment: A dog who is visibly dehydrated should receive immediate veterinary
attention, including intravenous fluids, to replace fluids and prevent
further loss.
Loss of skin elasticity is a
sign of dehydration. Note
that this dog is getting
intravenous fluids, which
are extremely important
in serious cases.