WILD- Topic 50: Drowning/Aspiration
Aspiration is a condition in which food, liquids, saliva, or vomit is inhaled into the airways causing damage to the lungs and the inability to breath. Aspiration also increases the risk of developing pneumonia. Animals can aspirate on a variety of things but one of the more dangerous forms of aspiration is drowning. Dogs, more than cats, generally love water. Most dogs have a natural ability to swim and enjoy time in the water. In the grooming salon animals are around quite a pit of water and liquids therefore increasing their risk of aspirating some liquid into their airway. Once fluid fills the lungs the animal is no longer able to breath and carbon dioxide begins to build in the bloodstream.
These are the phases in a typical drowning:
- Breath holding and swimming motion
- Water aspiration
- Choking
- Struggling for air
- Cessation of movement
- Unconsciousness then Death
When you come across an animal that has aspirated or drowned, safely remove the animal from the water first and then check for consciousness. If the animal is not breathing, lift the animal by the hind legs to allow water to come out the nose or mouth. Lay the animal down on either side with the head lowered. Go through the series of A,B,C before performing CPR or rescue breathing. Get to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible.
Dogs, more than cats, generally love water. Most dogs have a natural ability to swim and enjoy time in the water. Even though by nature they are good swimmers, situations of drowning can still happen. Inhalation of fluid can be caused by owner negligence, young dogs that are not experienced swimmers, weak, elderly animals, or trauma. Near-drowning is when an event occurs that involves prolonged submersion or inhalation of fluid such as water or vomit. Once the fluid fills the lungs the animal is no longer able to breath and carbon dioxide begins to build in the bloodstream.
These are the phases in a typical drowning:
- Breath holding and swimming motion
- Water aspiration
- Choking
- Struggling for air
- Cessation of movement
- Unconsciousness then Death
When you come across an animal in a drowning, safely remove the animal from the water first and then check for consciousness. If the animal is not breathing, lift the animal by the hind legs to allow water to come out the nose or mouth. Lay the animal down on either side with the head lowered. Go through the series of A,B,C before performing CPR or rescue breathing. Get to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible.