Page 128 - PJ MED OPS Handbook 8th Ed

K9 Trauma Management

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
1. Control bleeding first, based on K9-TCCC standards and guidance for humans.
2. Follow MARCH algorithm.
3. Complete K9 TCCC guidelines can be found on deployedmedicine.com.

Signs and Symptoms for Shock:
1. Pale color in gums, capillary refill time greater than 2 seconds
2. Dry lips and gums, dehydration
3. Excessive drooling in some poison cases
4. Weak femoral pulse
5. Rapid heart rate of 150–200 beats per minute
6. Cool extremities
7. Hyperventilation, rapid breathing generally over 25 breaths per minute
8. Confusion, restlessness, anxiousness
9. General weakness

Advanced Stages of Shock:
1. Continued depression and weakness to the point of not being able to move or becoming unre-
sponsive or unconscious
2. Dilated pupils
3. Capillary refill time greater than 4 seconds
4. White mucous membranes
5. Body temperature below 98°F, taken rectally

Management:
1. MARCH Algorithm (see page 17)
2. Massive hemorrhage: Control bleeding per TCCC standards
NOTE: CoTCCC recommended windlass, limb tourniquets designed for humans (e.g., C-A-T,
SOFTT-W) tend to slip distally and generally fail on MWDs due to conformational differences
and should not be used as first line therapy for hemorrhage control in MWDs.
The only tourniquet that should be considered for use on a massive extremity hemorrhage
in a MWDs is a stretchable and elastic tourniquet such as the SWAT-T. This type of material
allows it to mold to nearly any limb size and conformation in conjunction with its wide design,
allows it to serve as an effective circumferential pressure bandage on a MWDs limb.

Junctional tourniquets have not been evaluated in dogs and are not recommended at this time.
3. Airway
a. An injured dog or an animal in shock may not recognize familiar people. The dog may bite
out of pain or fear. If the dog is having trouble breathing or panting heavily, DO NOT apply a
muzzle. If a muzzle is placed on the dog it must be monitored at all times and removed at the

126 n Pararescue Medical Operations Handbook / 8th Edition