Page 259 - ATP-P 11th Ed

K9 HIGH ALTITUDE SICKNESS
AND PULMONARY EDEMA PROTOCOL

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Typically not seen in dogs, but may occur.

Signs and Symptoms
1. Reduced appetite
2. Listlessness SECTION 2
3. Reduced activity levels
4. “Mildly dusky” tongue color/pale gums
5. Brown or pink tinted fluids from mouth or nose
6. Lung sounds (fluid in lungs)
Prophylaxis
1. Acetazolamide (Diamox ) 250mg PO bid 24 hours prior to ascent and continued
®
for 48 hours after maximum altitude is reached
2. If the 500mg sustained release tablet is used, dose is 500mg PO every 24 hours.

Treatment
1. Descend from altitude and treat symptoms
2. Oxygen
a. Blow by oxygen administration – see example.
b. Alternatively connect the O line to the bars of a cage or
2
kennel and cover the cage with a poncho, rain coat, etc.
3. Dexamethasone (Decadron ), 4mg IV/IM/PO q6hr Blow by Oxygen
®
Administration
4. Albuterol (Ventolin ) inhaler can be attempted.
®
a. Apply field expedient muzzle as shown.
b. Improvise a nebulizer by using a plastic bag or paper bag. Open the bag, squirt the
albuterol (Ventolin ) into the bag. Place the bag over the muzzle and let the dog
®
breath a few breaths from the bag.
Disposition
1. Priority evacuation for any K9 AMS
2. Urgent evacuation any K9 with suspected HACE or HAPE.
3. Any K9 that has recovered from HACE or HAPE should not re-ascend without
veterinarian medical officer clearance.

248 SECTION 2 TACTICAL MEDICAL EMERGENCY PROTOCOLS (TMEPs) ATP-P Handbook 11th Edition 249