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MILITARY WORKING DOG (MWD)

Clinical Pearls:
- Dosages for analgesics in dogs are significantly higher than for people.
- Assessment of pain in dogs is difficult. Health Care Providers should err on side of providing
analgesia. Properly performed, it is safe and effective, and analgesia is critically important for safe
handling and alleviation of pain.
- Note that all protocols have analgesia incorporated into them. Additional analgesia can
be provided by the IV/IM or PO route, as necessary.
- Opioids cause emesis, usually within 5 minutes of administration. Be prepared to remove the
muzzle to minimize aspiration risk. Hydromorphone causes excessive panting; use caution with head
injuries, GDV, and respiratory disease.
- CAUTION: Do NOT use acetaminophen or ibuprofen in MWDs, as these drugs can
cause liver toxicity. AVOID use of NSAIDs such as naproxen and aspirin in emergently
ill or injured MWDs.
- OPIOID REVERSAL: At appropriate doses, dogs appear less susceptible to opioid-induced
respiratory depression and excessive sedation. However, opioid side effects can be reversed
in the dog using NALOXONE 0.01-0.02mg/kg slow IV to effect if needed. Note that this
will reverse analgesia as well as sedation!

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