Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The cardiovascular system is one of the three major body systems. When an animal in a critical state arrives at the animal hospital, it is important to know the normal parameters in order to assess the patient’s cardiovascular status. Triage is a process where you considerate the patient’s condition instead of check in time, or other criteria. Many critically ill patients suffer cardiovascular disorders at the time of clinical examination. These disorders can lead to multiple organ failure and death if not addressed. A successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a team effort where the veterinary nurse has an important role.

The purpose of our report is to shed light on what cardiovascular disorders are and the veterinary nurse’s part in the treatment of the disease in the critical state. Advanced animal care is an essential element for the care of the critically ill patient. It is important to distinguish different types of shock because treatments can vary. In most situations, the type of shock can be discerned by careful examination. Regardless of the type of shock, the treatment is always aimed at maximizing oxygen delivery and to provide fluid therapy. The jugular vein is an effective access port for administring both infusions and drugs that also can be used for blood sampling and monitoring.

This report describes function of monitoring equiment, the normal parameters of the animal, life-supporting measures, drugs and the veterinary nurse’s role in the treatment of dogs and cats. The report also includes a discussion of arguments as to why the animal owner may choose to refrain from resuscitation and why defibrillation isn’t as frequently used in veterinary medicine as in human medicine.

The report is structured as a literature review and a small observation and contains an intensive care schedule that facilitates monitoring of the critically ill animal.