Heatstroke in the veterinary patient
Abstract
Heatstroke is a very serious life threatening emergency which can have an effect on all body systems in the small animal. When the body's pathophysiological mechanism, which is in place to protect it, fails secondary complications can occur and these will need prompt treatment. Heatstroke in the small animal needs to be recognized quickly and treatment initiated — most heatstroke patients will require intensive care nursing for a favourable outcome to be reached.
Heatstroke is a condition that usually presents as an emergency, and that requires rapid recognition and treatment including intensive care. Prognosis is guarded particularly when systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) develop. A retrospective study indicated that a half to a quarter of all heatstroke patients die (Smarick, 2008).
This article looks at heatstroke and its effect on body systems in the small animal patient. It looks at the parameters which indicate heatstroke, emergency treatment to implement, and ongoing intensive care and nursing needed for a favourable outcome.
Heatstroke is usually defined as a body temperature of greater than 41°C (Smarick, 2008). It should not however be confused with pyrexia or fever (an elevation of temperature above the normal range). Pyrexia is a normal acute phase response to infection or inflammation and should not lead to further pathologies.
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