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1424 Heat Stroke—Hyperthermia

Heat Stroke—Hyperthermia
VetBooks.ir Temperature >104°F (>40°C), usually >107°F (>41.7°C) initially

Nonfebrile hyperthermia Pyrexia
in resting animal (fever seldom responsible for heat stroke)

• Remove from hot environment Identify cause of fever and treat appropriately
• At home: cool down with water Bacterial infection Other
• Transport to hospital ASAP • Abscess • Viral
• Pneumonia • Fungal
• Pyometra • Protozoal
• Cellulitis • Neoplastic
• Pyothorax • Drug-induced
• Meningitis/encephalitis • Immune-mediated
• Pyelonephritis • Sterile inflammatory
• Discospondylitis • Metabolic bone disease
• Prostatitis • Miscellaneous (e.g.,
• Peritonitis Shar-pei fever)
• Endocarditis
Monitor for seizures Actively cool to 103° F • Evaluate for upper
and treat as needed (39.4°C): airway obstruction
• Use cool (not cold) water • Intubate if needed
• Avoid hypothermia

Provide intravenous fluid support:
• Initially: crystalloid fluid (e.g., 0.9% saline, lactated Ringer’s, room
temperature) bolus 30-45 mL/kg
• Additional fluid boluses given based on:
- Hypoperfusion/cardiovascular instability
- Electrolyte replenishment needs
- Hydration
- Renal function
- Presence or absence of concurrent heart disease

Patient monitoring and supportive care to address complications:
• Cardiac monitoring for arrhythmia
• Coagulation status (disseminated intravascular coagulation [DIC] common)
• Intravascular volume status
• Broad-spectrum antibiotics usually are warranted
• Gastric protectants (e.g., pantoprazole)
• Monitor urine output and address oliguria
• Monitor electrolyte and acid-base balance

UPDATED AND EDITED BY: Leah A. Cohn, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
ORIGINALLY WRITTEN BY: Scott P. Shaw, DVM, DACVECC

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