Basic triage in dogs and cats: Part I

Abstract

Background: Emergency cases can present at any time of the day or night. All small animal practitioners need to have the skills to triage and stabilize common emergency cases even if they ultimately aim to refer the patient to another facility.

Objectives and procedures: The first part of this 3-part review article series covers respiratory distress and seizures. A stepwise approach to categorize and stabilize these cases is outlined, along with helpful tips to optimize the referral experience, if indicated.

Results: Having a strong methodical approach to animals in respiratory distress optimizes treatment. Similarly, achieving cessation of seizures, along with having a good understanding of the causes of seizures, allows for patient stabilization.

Conclusion and clinical relevance: Do NOT refer emergent cases before completing basic stabilization. Many emergency cases do not require emergent referral and can be worked up by the primary veterinarian or sent to a referral clinic on an appointment basis after appropriate stabilization steps are completed.

Figure 1

Veterinary triage list. Adapted from Ruys et al (3).

Figure 2

Simplified triage flow chart.

Figure 3

Stabilization of respiratory distress in dogs and cats.

Figure 4

Flow-by oxygen therapy in a dog.

Figure 5

A — Commercial oxygen cage. Note the screen on the right, which allows for control of temperature, humidity, and oxygen concentration. B — Cage door converting a standard cage to an oxygen chamber. The monitor on the right-hand side of the cage reports temperature and humidity. C — Pet carrier enclosed in a plastic bag with oxygen tubing, creating a makeshift temporary oxygen chamber. A hole should be placed on the back side of the plastic bag to vent carbon dioxide and heat. D — Alternative oxygen cage created from a plastic container with holes inserted to allow oxygen into the container. It is important to also create exhaust holes (> 1) to vent carbon dioxide and heat.