Page 124 - PJ MED OPS Handbook 8th Ed

K9 Evaluation and Treatment

VITAL SIGNS OF CANINES:
1. Temperature:
a. Normal Rectal Temp is 100–102.5°F.
b. Temperature after exercise: 103–106°F.
2. Pulse:
a. Normal pulse rate will vary from 60-80bpm. Can beat up to 130 with exercise.
b. The pulse rate and respiration rate will vary from dog to dog, and will also vary if the
dog is at rest or working.
c. The femoral artery is located on the inside of a dog’s rear thighs. Guide hand as if
passing someone a plate. Grab the dog on the rear of its thigh with fingers inside and
palpate the artery.
3. Normal respiration rate for an adult dog will vary between 10–40 respirations per minute.
4. Capillary refill time: less than 2 seconds.
5. Mucous membrane color: generally pink, but may have pigmented areas depending on
breed.
• WEIGHT RELATED DRUG DOSES ARE AT THE END OF THIS PROTOCOL.
• MOST DOG HANDLERS WILL CARRY A DRUG CARD FOR THE DOG.

RESTRAINT (SOF medical personnel should work with handler to learn muzzling techniques):
1. Always muzzle dog when working on them.
2. Physical restraints with muzzles or improvised muzzles.
a. Field expedient muzzle:
i) Kerlix is tied in a half-hitch on top of the muzzle, then in a half-hitch below the muzzle and
then tied behind the ears.
ii) The leash is wrapped around the snout; this method is not as secure.
3. Chemical restraint if needed to protect handler and Medic.
a. Dexdomitor is the recommended drug for chemical
restraint if not traumatic injury. 10–15mcg/kg (0.3–0.4mg)
IM or IV, reversed with Antisedan. Dexdomitor after onset
gives 20–30 minutes of good sedation when administered
with labeled dose.
b. Versed can be used for mild sedation and restraint
at 0.2mg/kg IM or IV (6mg). Can cause paradoxical excite-
ment (usually with IV administration).
c. Use Versed and ketamine (at 5mg/kg IV) in combina-
tion for moderate sedation. May cause hyper-excitability
and involuntary muscle movements. Watch for potential
aggression when effects are wearing off.

122 n Pararescue Medical Operations Handbook / 8th Edition