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Heat Stroke
Wed, May 12th, 2010


Heat stroke occurs most commonly when animals are left in a car in warm weather, are outside without access to shade in hot weather, or are exercised strenuously (e.g., jogging when the weather is warm or hot). We have seen heat strokes when dogs are exercised in even 70-degree weather. Dogs are more prone to heat stroke than humans as they are essentially wearing a fur coat. And dogs do not have the ability to use evaporative cooling, such as sweating. Their only way of cooling is through panting. Although it can happen with any dog or cat, breeds that are predisposed are the brachycephalic breeds of dog (those with short noses), including bulldogs, boxers, Boston terriers, etc.

 

Signs of heat stroke include excessive panting, salivation, listlessness, muscle tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, staggering or incoordination, collapse, loss of consciousness, and seizures. Complications we see primarily occur when the dog’s temperature has reached 106 degrees or higher. Problems include extremely high heart rate, heart arrhythmias, severe dehydration, bloody diarrhea and vomiting from destruction of the lining of the intestinal tract, and bleeding tendencies from damage to blood clotting proteins. The prognosis for survival with heat stroke is guarded, with only about 50% of animals surviving. Treatment may include IV fluids, antibiotics, ulcer medications, monitoring ECG and lab work for complications, and possibly plasma transfusion. If you think your pet may be having a heat stroke, cool the animal with water and transport to a veterinary hospital immediately.



Please note: This site is intended as a general information site only. We cannot offer advice or provide diagnosis or treatment protocols on a pet we've never seen. Our patients are seen by referral only from your primary veterinarian. If you have questions, please call us.