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Disaster Working Dog Management and Health 266.e3

profiles, infectious disease titers, cultures, (i.e., N-96 particulate respirators), ○ Hydration, electrolytes, hematocrit/total
heavy metals, cholinesterase, polychlorinated and durable clothing. Training ahead solids, blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen,
VetBooks.ir poisoning), anticoagulants, pharmaceutical assessment of safety risks to modify the • For all working dogs: baseline (yearly or bian- Diseases and Disorders
urine production and serial urinalyses
of time and continual monitoring and
biphenyls (PCBs), carboxyhemoglobin (CO
○ Pain
and illicit drugs, mycotoxins
PPE as appropriate are paramount for
human and canine safety.
• Necropsy for unexplained death, and consider
for any working dog ■ Powders: use care brushing because may nually), CBC, serum biochemistry profile,
heartworm antigen test, urinalysis, and
aerosolize; wipe only thyroid profile. Consider infectious disease
TREATMENT ■ CAUTION: some hazardous materials screening as appropriate for location, such
become reactive when exposed to water. as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, bartonellosis,
Treatment Overview Alternate decontamination methods leishmaniasis, foreign animal diseases
Treatment consists of appropriate therapy for include application of baking powder or • Necropsy is advised for working animals to
the signs presented in the field and referral to a flour, then physical removal by wiping, aid in monitoring and for future health and
veterinary hospital as appropriate and as available brushing, or combing. prevention strategies for other working dogs.
(on-site veterinary team, local practitioner, or ■ Caked-on contamination: may need to
24-hour emergency and/or specialty hospital). scrape off or break down with mineral PROGNOSIS & OUTCOME
Therapeutic goals are to stabilize the patient, oil (for petroleum-based products) or
decontamination, decrease ongoing exposure and mechanics’ handwashing products. Variable; prognosis improves with proper
absorption, and the institution of appropriate ■ Eye ointments: avoid because they may prevention, awareness, and monitoring work
specific or supportive care. During decontami- absorb contaminant and worsen corneal site for potential concerns.
nation, there is risk of hazard exposure to the damage
veterinary team; use precautions. ■ Bleach: 0.5% hypochlorite rinse followed PEARLS & CONSIDERATIONS
by routine soap-and-water decontamina-
Acute General Treatment tion protocol for blister agents (vesicants) Comments
• Stabilize the patient. or floodwater exposure • Important resources
○ General emergency medicine: stabilization ■ Phenol exposure: human PPE is a must; ○ Centers for Disease Control and Preven-
of vital signs and specific derangements use paper/disposable towels to blot fur tion: www.cdc.gov
with appropriate cardiovascular and and skin before washing. ○ National Veterinary Response Teams
respiratory support ■ Eye flush: 15 minutes required for (NVRT), part of the National Disaster
○ Control hemorrhage, shock exposure to blister agents, blood, or Medical System (NDMS), Department
○ Control dyspnea, give oxygen therapy, metabolic agents (0.9% saline or tepid of Health and Human Services: https://
move to fresh air clean water) www.phe.gov/preparedness/responders/
○ Control seizures, tremors • Supportive care ndms/ndms-teams/pages/nvrt.aspx
○ Control pain ○ Fluid therapy: diuresis to help promote ○ American Veterinary Medical Association:
• Decrease ongoing exposure and absorption removal of agents with renal excretion www.avma.org or http://www.vmat.org/
of toxins. and to address shock, dehydration, and ○ American Society for the Prevention
○ Induce vomiting, gastric lavage (exceptions metabolic derangements of Cruelty to Animals, Animal Poison
include corrosive agents, hydrocarbons, ○ Treat dehydration, hypothermia/hyperther- Control Center: www.ASPCA.org;
PCBs, soaps and detergents [cationic mia, stress colitis, hemorrhagic gastroen- 1-888-426-4435
agents], acids and alkalis, phenol) (p. 1087) teritis, and hemorrhagic cystitis. Recognize ○ Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
○ Administer water or milk orally for dilu- metabolic differences between human and ○ Emergency Response Guidebook (U.S.
tion (useful for corrosive agents, soaps, canine sensitivity to contaminants (can Department of Transportation): www.
detergents, acids and alkalis, explosives be more, the same, or less). Sensitivity labelmaster.com/
[C-4, nitrates, nitromethane]). also depends on factors such as health, • Most common problems are conjunctival irri-
○ Activated charcoal ± saline cathartic or conditioning, age, and concentration and tation, respiratory tract problems, decreased
sorbitol for noncorrosive agents (mini- length of exposure. Treat appropriately appetite, dehydration, exhaustion, cuts, and
mally effective for some heavy metals or based on the patient’s signs, test results, foot/pad disorders.
short-chain solvents, hydrocarbons, soaps and response to treatment. • Health problems should be treated with
and detergents, acids and alkalis, ethylene the highest standards of veterinary care.
glycol) Behavior/Exercise Chronic diseases (e.g., allergies, degenera-
○ Gastrointestinal protectants • Kenneling (housing, husbandry, transporta- tive joint disease, gastrointestinal diseases)
○ External decontamination of patient tion) influences physical and psychological may benefit from treatment by a specialist
Use copious amounts of water (see welfare. Long-term stress can result in and/or by complementary therapies such
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caution below) and liquid dish poor training and working ability and in as acupuncture, physical rehabilitation,
detergent or shampoo (rinse, wash, behavioral and physiologic changes. supplements, and nutrition.
rinse; cycle three times); ocular and • Caretakers should take positive steps to • Proper nutrition, housing, welfare, and
nasal flushing using water or saline provide for all the animal needs, including adequate exercise/training are extremely
(consider teaching working canine to environmental enrichment (e.g., feeding important for working dogs and can affect
sneeze when young); washing, brushing, devices, play). behavior, willingness to work, scent-detecting
or clipping hair in feet if buildup of • Fitness and conditioning programs help ability, and ability to work long hours. Keep
debris or concrete dust. Clip affected minimize the risk of injury and improve in mind safety of food and water sources.
haired areas to facilitate removal. Body adaptation to environmental stresses. • Handler physical and mental health must be
temperature must be monitored to appropriate to complement the teamwork
avoid hypothermia. Recommended Monitoring needed.
Human safety and personal protective • As indicated • Training should include obedience, crate
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equipment (PPE): basic guidelines ○ Temperature: during decontamination training, restraint, and muzzling to aid in
include gloves, protective eyewear procedures and/or shock, to help prevent situations where a working dog is injured,
and footwear, respiratory protection hypothermia contaminated, or needs veterinary care. Also

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