Page 125 - PJ MED OPS Handbook 8th Ed

Monitoring:
1. Pulse Ox – Placed on tongue, ear, prepuce, vulva, or other
non-pigmented, highly vascular area (i.e. lip).
2. EKG – Alligator clips in armpit and groin (left). If alligator clips
are unavailable, place the buttons or leads behind the largest
pad on the foot.
3. Animals do not have palpable carotid pulses. Obtain a femoral
pulse in the inguinal crease.
IM INJECTION SITES:
Lumbar epaxial, hamstring or quadriceps muscles.

IV SITES:
1. Usually the easiest/best vein to use for a K9 IV
is the one found on their forelegs. The cephalic
vein is located on the middle of the foreleg.
This is the most commonly used vein for fluid
administration and IV delivery of drugs. The
jugular vein can be used as a last resort for IV
access.
2. If the person occluding the vein rolls it laterally,
this will place the vein directly on top of the
dog’s leg, easing access.
3. Maintain a firm hold on the dog’s leg as the
catheter is placed.
4. Start distally on the vein. If attempt fails, move proximally and reattempt the IV.
5. In the hind leg, the lateral saphenous vein is used. This vein has a tendency to roll and is more
difficult to maintain and secure.
6. In both procedures use plenty of tape to secure the IV line. Your patient will try to pull it out.
If they are ambulatory, movement will often dislodge the IV. IVs in conscious dogs must be
monitored.
HYDRATION STATUS:
1. Normal Hydration: Pick up skin and release. It should return to the position that it was, within
1 second.
a. Capillary Refill Time (CRT) is measured by pressing on a non-pigmented (pink) area of the
gums over the canine tooth. Using one finger, press down firmly until the gums turn white
under pressure and release. Also, note the normal color of the dog’s gums and mouth. The
gums may vary from black, pink, reddish brown, or any combination of colors.
2. Dehydration:
a. 6–8% dehydration – loss of skin elasticity, tacky gums, mildly prolonged CRT
b. 10–12% dehydration – tented skin, dry gums, prolonged CRT, sunken eyes, increased HR,
rapid/weak pulses

Chapter 8. Tactical Medical Emergency Protocols (TMEPs) n 123