What is EMS Canine Tactical Medicine Trauma Survey and Treatment (Treating Service Dogs)?
Dogs play a variety of important roles in both military and civilian life, such as protection, detecting explosives, conducting search-and-rescue missions, and serving as guide or therapy dogs. However, these working dogs (WDs) are often exposed to a higher risk of injuries that can lead to disability or even death. Knowing how to properly care for a WD demands collaboration and education among medical staff, dog handlers, and veterinary experts.
As working dogs’ roles increase, it is more likely that medical providers will need to care for an injured WD. It is crucial that providers know how to evaluate a WD, recognize signs of severe blood loss or common injuries, and always employ caution when treating these animals. While many treatments are similar to those given to humans, some differences, like how to correctly apply a tourniquet, do exist.
This article will focus on the urgent initial steps when dealing with an injured working dog. First, how to quickly obtain a medical history and assess the animal. Then, the pivotal steps to control bleeding, replenish lost fluids, and ensuring safety when handling these dedicated canine workers will be covered.
What Causes EMS Canine Tactical Medicine Trauma Survey and Treatment (Treating Service Dogs)?
In the United States, working dogs (WDs), including police dogs and service dogs, play a vital role. There are roughly 50,000 non-military K9s doing various tasks across the country. But their work often puts them at risk as they’re placed in unfamiliar and potentially dangerous situations.
Most commonly, these dogs face musculoskeletal injuries, like sprains, strains, and bone fractures. These injuries often occur due to their duties, like tracking suspects or finding missing people, which can place repetitive stress on their bodies.
Working dogs are also prone to heat-related illnesses. The combination of their determination to fulfill their tasks and the extra heat from any protective gear they wear raises their risk for illnesses caused by too much heat.
Cuts, scrapes, and other injuries are also common in working dogs. Those used in the military tend to get hurt from sharp objects or explosions, while civilian working dogs more often get injured in car accidents.
Many injuries these dogs face need a careful approach from their handlers and medical attention from veterinarians. It’s important to note that dog owners often fail to correctly identify their pet’s injuries, with only 20% getting it right.
Putting working dogs through comprehensive training programs, ensuring regular vet check-ups, providing suitable protective gear, and continuously checking their physical state can considerably reduce their risk of getting hurt.
Risk Factors and Frequency for EMS Canine Tactical Medicine Trauma Survey and Treatment (Treating Service Dogs)
Most of the information we have about working dog’s (WDs) injuries comes from the military, and less so from community settings. In the past two decades, the German Shepherd, making up 56% and trained mostly for explosives detection and patrol work (73%), is frequently found in the US military working dog unit. The breed variety of civilian working dogs is broader due to the different tasks they perform.
Both military and civilian dogs are often not neutered, increasing their risk of certain health issues like hip dysplasia, ligament injuries, and higher likelihood of tumors in specific breeds. Data show a high rate of injury among civilian working dogs, with a study reporting injury rates of 45.5%.
- Search and rescue dogs have the most frequent injuries.
- The most common types of injuries include:
- Musculoskeletal injuries (22%)
- Fractures to the phalanx and carpal bones (20%)
- Damage to the pads and digits (10%)
- Rupture of the cruciate ligament (3%)
- There are also a variety of less common injuries.
Most injuries are detected within 12 to 72 hours after happening. However, for an accurate diagnosis, a veterinarian’s expertise is needed.
Signs and Symptoms of EMS Canine Tactical Medicine Trauma Survey and Treatment (Treating Service Dogs)
Professional veterinary help might not always be readily available, especially in situations needing immediate attention. Therefore, human healthcare providers often need to be confident in looking after and managing injuries in working dogs (WDs). Information about the dog’s history can be gathered from the dog’s owner, including any allergies or medications the dog might be using. Dog handlers can also assist in caring for the animal and suggest ways of successfully handling the dog. Some WDs might be used to medical procedures like getting an IV, but this should never be presumed.
Safety
When treating an injured WD, it’s vital to do so in coordination with the dog’s handler; this is to prevent any harm to both the dog and people present. The dog should only be approached if the handler is nearby. If it’s not possible for the handler to be there, another professional should help restrain the dog. The safety of caregivers is crucial; if a dog can’t be treated safely, steps must be taken to either move to a safer location or determine a way to control and muzzle the injured dog. Working dogs should be approached from the front or side while crouched or lowered. They should be restrained in a comfortable position with a secured muzzle, except for unresponsive dogs or dogs with significant airway injuries, as they shouldn’t be muzzled.
Vital Signs
Vital signs can change based on the dog’s breed. For instance, a German shepherd or Labrador retriever weighing between 25-35 kg usually has a resting heart rate of 50-60 beats per minute. The pulse can be felt at the inside femoral artery or on the top of the foot. Use a pediatric blood pressure cuff to measure blood pressure on the top of the foot or forearm. The dog’s blood pressure is often slightly higher than in humans, typically ranging from 110/60 to 160/90 mm Hg. A dog’s tongue can provide a pulse oximetry reading when using a human finger probe, but this is only safe if the dog is sedated. Attach ECG pads to the dog’s front legs and left hindfoot. The ECG tracing and many lab values would resemble that of humans.
Physical Exam
Conducting a quick examination is key to finding signs of traumatic injuries. Observing the dog’s appearance and behavior is the first step, specifically looking for signs of discomfort, pain, or unusual behavior. Assess the dog’s breathing rate and effort, noting any struggles or irregularities in breathing. Listen to the dog’s heart for any abnormal rhythms or sounds. Feel the dog’s stomach for any tenderness or swelling. Check the color of the mucous membranes and the time it takes for capillary refill by using the paws. Look under the coat of skin for wounds, cuts, or other trauma signs. Examine the dog’s limbs for any signs of trauma or discomfort. Lastly, the dog’s neurological status should be evaluated by checking its reaction times, coordination, and reflexes. Regular rechecks will make sure the WD gets the necessary care for its well-being and performance.
Testing for EMS Canine Tactical Medicine Trauma Survey and Treatment (Treating Service Dogs)
The first step in assessing a working dog (WD) after trauma is similar to the process used in human trauma care, and primarily focuses on checking the airway, circulation, and controlling any bleeding. The goal here is to quickly identify and deal with any immediate threats to the dog’s life. This includes closely examining the dog’s airway, breathing, circulation, and neurological status – or mental alertness and response. Issues like blocked airways, difficulties in breathing, or unusual bleeding are immediately identified and managed. By doing this primary survey, healthcare providers lay the groundwork for more detailed diagnosis and treatment, ensuring that the dog gets the urgent care it needs for the best chance of recovery.
After ensuring that the airway, breathing and circulation – or the ‘ABCs’ – are stable, healthcare providers should then carry out a secondary survey. This is a more detailed check for heart and lung issues, as well as injuries to the chest, stomach, head or limbs. The specific circumstances will dictate when and how this is done. It’s very important for providers to be mindful of the possibility of internal injuries or issues with the dog’s skeleton or muscles. And since dogs can’t communicate verbally, it’s crucial to thoroughly examine and frequently reassess injured working dogs.
Treatment Options for EMS Canine Tactical Medicine Trauma Survey and Treatment (Treating Service Dogs)
If a working dog (WD) is unresponsive or not breathing, it should be positioned on its side with its head and neck aligned and mouth open, with the tongue pulled forward. This prevents obstruction of the airway without risking spinal injury. Breathing assistance should then be provided at 8-10 breaths per minute.
In some scenarios, like when the dog is unresponsive or in shock, hospital staff may need to use a tube to help the dog breathe. This procedure involves facing the dog, which is lying on its chest, with its head extended and neck straightened to allow a clear path to the windpipe. A laryngoscope is then used to lift the dog’s tongue, see the back of the throat, and find the windpipe opening. Once the tube is inserted, its correct placement is confirmed by watching the dog’s chest rise and fall with each breath.
If a WD cannot be helped to breathe with a tube, trained staff may need to perform an emergency cricothyrotomy, which involves making an incision in the neck to create an airway.
Conditions such as excessive presence of air within the chest cavity, which can be fatal, may require placing a needle into the chest wall to remove the air. The dog should be restrained and positioned on its affected side while the compressing source of air is being released. As the needle penetrates the pleural space, a rush of air may be felt or heard, indicating successful decompression of the pneumothorax.
Loss of blood can be fatal for WDs. Any bleeding should first be tackled by applying direct pressure to the wound, then by slowing the blood flow to the wound, and lastly, by tying a stretchable tourniquet to the limb if bleeding still won’t stop.
In cases of cardiac arrest, CPR should only be given if a veterinary professional is leading the process. CPR for WDs happens at the same rate as for humans, and only comes into play for unconscious dogs who aren’t breathing; you don’t need to check their pulses.
As for musculoskeletal injuries, the treatment process is similar to human patients. Major extremity injuries should be protected while definitive care is sought. Major fractures, spinal injuries, or acute traumas require pain management strategies and could entail the use of sedatives.
Heat-related illnesses are common in WDs who are at a high risk. Heat stroke, in particular, can be fatal. Dogs should have frequent access to water and should be immediately removed from the heat source if they show signs of heat-related illness.
What else can EMS Canine Tactical Medicine Trauma Survey and Treatment (Treating Service Dogs) be?
When dogs experience traumatic injuries, it’s crucial to check for any other health problems or signs of poisoning, alongside any visible wounds. It’s important to do a complete check-up to catch any undiscovered health issues or potential exposure to poisons. Veterinarians, dog handlers, and emergency medical services are all key in making a detailed assessment.
This involves gathering a thorough history to notice any recent changes, such as different foods or possible consumption of harmful substances. By figuring out if a health problem or poisoning is present, treatment can begin quickly, and this can also prevent other people from being exposed to any harmful substances.
What to expect with EMS Canine Tactical Medicine Trauma Survey and Treatment (Treating Service Dogs)
Working dogs, such as those used by the police or military, are especially vulnerable to serious injuries. Because we don’t have sophisticated systems in place for treating canine injuries, a speedy identification and treatment of these injuries is crucial in order to prevent death or disability.
Military research has shown that in combat scenarios, the death rate for working dogs can be as high as 50%. Medics treating military dogs in these situations are often advised to consider putting the dog to sleep if the injuries seem too severe to survive.
However, because of a lack of data, it’s hard to make accurate predictions about the dog’s chances of survival before it gets to a veterinary hospital.
Possible Complications When Diagnosed with EMS Canine Tactical Medicine Trauma Survey and Treatment (Treating Service Dogs)
Work accidents and injuries can stop working dogs (WDs) from doing their jobs right away. These incidents can lead to a long recovery, a lot of physical therapy, and even surgery. Also, injuries can be very stressful for the dogs. Both the physical and emotional trauma can make the dogs bad at their future jobs. If a working dog is injured and then goes back to work without the right mental and physical therapy, they are more likely to get hurt again. After being injured, dogs could feel fear, worry, or have changes in their behaviors. This could affect their confidence and how well they do their job in the future. Building up the dogs’;
trust and training them to be as good as they were before the injury takes a lot of time and an expert’s help.
If they don’t get the right help and therapy after an injury, working dogs might get hurt again or have to stop working sooner than expected. This could put a strain on the resources and abilities of the organization that relies on them. This is why it’s so important that when working dogs get hurt, they are taken care of right away. This helps to keep the dogs healthy and keeps them doing their valuable jobs in different life-saving and safety efforts.
Caregivers and handlers can also get hurt when they’re evaluating and treating working dogs. Working dogs can be dangerous when they’re hurt or stressed.[6] Before doing anything, handlers and caregivers should talk through all the steps of a physical exam or procedures. Working dogs are trained to wear muzzles to stop them from biting in high-stress situations, such as during medical procedures or when they’re in pain. Except in special cases, muzzles should always be used.[23] Also, whenever possible, caregivers should not have unnecessary contact with working dogs, especially during training or exams when the dog might be distracted or stressed.
Dog bites can break bones and infect the soft tissue, which might require surgery. In most cases, taking safety measures can stop bites from happening. Caregivers should avoid quick movements, staring the dog in the eyes, or loud sounds, as these can make the dog defensive. Healthcare providers who often deal with working dogs should get training on how to handle them and understand their behaviors.
Preventing EMS Canine Tactical Medicine Trauma Survey and Treatment (Treating Service Dogs)
Keeping working dogs safe and healthy is crucial as they are important assets. Training is the number one priority as it prepares both the dogs and their handlers to safely manage dangerous situations. Research suggests that more than half of the injuries working dogs suffer could be avoided. The main issue observed was inadequate handler training, with a secondary problem being a lack of protective gear.
Consistent training should highlight agility, obedience, and awareness of their surroundings to lower the chances of getting hurt. It’s key to let the dogs rest and take frequent breaks when they are doing high-energy work to prevent them from getting too tired or overworked. Ensuring a proper diet and providing clean drinking water also helps keep the dogs healthy and performing their best. Regular vet check-ups and vaccinations can spot potential health problems before they get worse.
Providing working dogs with suitable protective equipment, like harnesses or boots, can greatly decrease the risk of injuries in difficult situations. By focusing on these preventative approaches and prioritizing the health of working dogs, the risk of injuries and deaths can be minimized. This allows them to carry out their duties both efficiently and safely.
