Lab: Understanding and Performing CPR in Equine Neonates and Small Animals

Unlike humans, veterinary patients experiencing cardiopulmonary arrest have a poor prognosis with an overall survival to discharge rate of 5-10%. Veterinary patients can experience cardiopulmonary arrest from a multitude of etiologies and have a higher risk of respiratory arrest compared to their human counterparts. Due to the overall guarded prognosis associated with cardiopulmonary arrest in the veterinary patient, it is important to recognize the arrest and rapidly intervene to optimize outcomes. Unfortunately, once an animal has suffered from cardiopulmonary arrest there is a small window of time to allow for successful interventions. Therefore, having both a systematic plan in place before the event and recognizing patients at risk for cardiopulmonary arrest is crucial. In this session we will discuss assembling a resuscitation kit, identifying the at-risk patient and implementation of basic life support and CPR as well as patient assessment throughout the resuscitative effort. This talk will be addressing CPR for both equine neonatal as well as canine and feline patients.