a. Conscious MWD with no airway problems identified:

b. Unconscious casualty without airway obstruction:

c. Conscious MWD with airway obstruction or impending airway obstruction:

d. If attempts to clear or remove the airway obstruction have failed or the MWD collapses or becomes unconscious consider one of the following techniques:

NOTE: intubation of the MWD is most easily performed with the dog in sternal or prone position (but can be performed in lateral), head and neck extended, and tongue pulled forward. Capnometer reading >10 mmHg also verifies correct placement.

If necessary assisted ventilation via an Ambu-bag can be performed at a rate of 8-10 breaths per minute.

 

 * Blind Insertion Airway Device / Nasopharyngeal airways / Extraglottic Airway Devices have not been evaluated in canines and should not be utilized in MWDs.

e. Cervical Spinal stabilization is not necessary for MWDs suffering only penetrating trauma.

f. Monitor hemoglobin saturation (SpO2) and capnography when available, to help assess airway patency

g.  Always remember that the MWD’s airway status may change over time and requires frequent reassessment.

Notes: