Ask The Vet RadioShow Notes

Show #: 06-114

Show Description: "Pet Emergency Medicine"

Audio Files: ATVR-06-114.mp3, ATVR-06-114.wma

On this week’s show we covered pet emergency medicine.  Medical Director of disaster services Dr. Barry Kellogg from the Humane Society of the United States called in to share his experience with aiding the animals victimized by Hurricane Katrina.  Professor of Surgery Dr. D.J. Krahwinkel and Licensed Veterinary Medical Technician Nelle Wyatt from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine stopped by the studio to inform listeners about critical care emergency medicine and the blood bank. 

Show Notes and Resources:

  • Dr. Barry Kellogg, Medical Director of disaster services for the Humane Society of the United States called in to inform listeners more on the HSUS and its aid with the relief for the abandoned and injured animals of Hurricane Katrina. 
    • 50,000 animals were left behind from Hurricane Katrina and an estimated 10,000 people stayed behind with their pets because they were unable to take them to safety.  The fatality rate of the people who stayed with their pets and the pets left behind from Hurricane Katrina was disturbingly high and has prompted the proposal for an evacuation bill that will change the way pets are handled in disaster situations.
    • The Humane Society of the United States provides tremendous training for disaster relief and animal response teams.  Dr. Kellogg’s experience mostly dealt with shelter locations, triage emergencies, and medical need assessments.  To attend disaster relief training classes or for monetary donation information, please visit www.hsus.org
    • Be sure to be prepared in case such an emergency takes place.  Large animals such as horses and cattle do better when left in open areas due to their natural instincts; do not leave them in a barn or enclosed space.  Decide with your family which type of disaster would be essential to leave home and put together a disaster relief/emergency kit that can easily be grabbed to ensure the survival of your pet and eliminate last-minute panic. 
    • Types of items that should go in an Emergency Kit/Disaster Relief Kit:
        • 3-5 day food supply (with air-tight and water-resistant container)
        • 5 day supply water (for you and your pet)
        • Leash/Collar
        • Picture of your pet and you together
        • Copies of vaccinations and birth certificates
        • Any medications for your pet
        • First Aid Kit: bandage material, gauze, scissors, latex gloves, antibiotic ointments, saline solution, alcohol, vet wrapping
        • Toys
        • Sanitary aids: plastic bags, litter, newspapers, etc.
        • REMEMBER: Pet medications, food, and other items that expire will be of no use if not kept up-to-date and replaced on a regular basis. 
  • Dr. D.J. Krahwinkel, Professor of Surgery, and Nelle Wyatt, Licensed Veterinary Medical Technician, from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine stopped by to inform listeners about Emergency Medical Care for animals and the blood bank offered at the University of Tennessee.  The University has 24 hour emergency care for animals in critical condition and offer critical care to animals whose injuries can not wait for regular veterinary assistance.
    • Last year, 300 blood transfusions were performed at the University of Tennessee Veterinary Clinic.  Due to the availability of this blood bank, animals in serious condition can get emergency blood donated in order to save lives.  Some of the blood donor animals live in the hospital, some belong to faculty, etc.  If you would like your pet to be a donor for this excellent service of the animal community, contact 974-Vets to make an appointment.  Donor animals must be in good physical shape, on flea prevention, preferably spade or neutered, and have no seizure or heart problem history.  Donor animals must also have a lean body weight of 50 lbs for dogs and 10 lbs for cats.  Visit the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine at http://www.vet.utk.edu/ for more information.
    • If you come across an animal that has been injured, be sure to protect yourself.  Animals that are usually tame and well-behaved can bite when they have been injured and are in severe pain.  Also, be sure to keep the animal from causing more injury to itself by keeping it in a cage and allowing as little movement as possible.