VPN Plus+ ExclusiveThe ultimate guide to navigating CHF emergency cases, part 1February 12, 2026For those who handle emergencies much less frequently and don’t thrive on adrenaline rushes and potentially life-or-death decision-making, respiratory distress patients can be scary. Feeling confident in your ability to distinguish primary lung disease from primary cardiac disease from other underlying, likely systemic conditions improves self-efficacy and, ultimately, health outcomes for patients and pet parents alike.
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VPN Plus+ ExclusiveCommon Avian EmergenciesApril 3, 2024In this session: Pet birds and backyard chickens often present at emergency with advanced disease as birds commonly hide signs of early illness, consistent with most prey species. Olivia Petritz, DVM, DACZM, reviews common avian emergencies including hemorrhage, seizures, cloacal prolapses, and dyspnea via case examples in parrots and chickens
Seven options to provide life-saving oxygenMarch 28, 2019There is arguably nothing more heart-wrenching than a patient who is suffocating. How you handle these patients could be the difference between life and death. Some colleagues can be hesitant to admit these patients and may advise clients to take them to an emergency or referral facility that may be much farther away. It doesn't have to be that way. Short-term, there really is no risk to oxygen therapy. So even if the disease process were not oxygen-responsive, there is no harm in providing therapy while you figure things out, assess the severity of the disease, and obtain diagnostics. Providing oxygen is an easy way to buy time. Empower your nurses to start some sort of oxygen therapy when your patient is exhibiting any of the following situations: • dyspnea of any kind; • shortness of breath; • abnormal respiratory sounds; • cyanotic gums; • severe anemia or hemorrhage; • increased respiratory rate; • head trauma; and/or • lateral recumbency. Although arterial blood gas analysis would be the most accurate way to assess pulmonary function, it is rarely available in general practice. Pulse oximetry is a cheaper and more available option. You …
