| Unconsciousness |
| There are different degrees of unconsciousness. A stupor is when the animal's pupils respond to light, the eyes blink if touched and though groggy, the animal will react to stimuli. A coma is a complete loss of consciousness with no response to light or pain. There are seven conditions to note concerning consciousness: 1) Is the animal breathing quickly or slowly, lightly or deeply? 2) Are the pupils qually opened or closed? 3) If the eye is touched, does the animal blink? 4) Is the heartbeat fast or slow? Press your index and middle fingers just inside the point where the back leg meets the body. For 60 seconds, count the beat. This is the pulse rate. The normal pulse rate of a dog is 80-140 beats per minute, for a cat 110-180 beats per minute. 5) Does the animal's breath smell? 6) Are its muscles supple or stiff? 7) Does the animal have control of its waste products? Note the answers so you can report them to the vet. On the way to the vet, you will want to keep the animal's head and body leveled. There should be good ventilation in the car. Try to maintain body heat by wrapping your pet in a blanket and gently massaging the legs and muscles. Get to the vet quickly. |
|
