Case of The Month 

“Tyson” is a lively 2 year old, male, Bull Terrier who has trouble keeping still for more than five minutes. Recently his owners returned home from work late one afternoon to find him in trouble. Tyson appeared unable to walk, his breathing was distressed and he had vomited and had diarrhoea. He was quickly rushed in to us.

 On arrival Tyson was still unable to walk although he had good sensation in all four limbs. His respiratory rate was increased as was his temperature at 41.2 C. A diagnosis of heat stroke was made and efforts immediately began to reduce Tyson’s temperature.

An intravenous catheter was placed into his front leg and intravenous fluids attached. Cold, wet towels were placed around Tyson’s body and a fan placed near him. During the cooling process Tyson was closely monitored with his rectal temperature, respiratory rate and the oxygen level in his blood being constantly recorded.

As his body temperature began to drop Tyson’s breathing started to improve. The cold towels were removed to prevent pushing his temperature down too much. The intravenous fluids were continued to help support Tyson’s kidneys and other vital organs. By the following day he had made a full recovery, apart from 2 further bouts of diarrhoea.

It appeared that Tyson had spent the day at home running the fence line due to contractors working on the property next door. His typical friendly Bully nature, combined with a lack of self preservation and an extremely hot day had contributed to him over-heating. Tyson was discharged to his owners and went on to make a full recovery.

He  now spends hot days lazing on the shady veranda where he can’t get himself in to trouble again.