EMERGENCIES (continued): HEAT STROKE

Last week, when discussing Solar Radiations, especially in the Tropics, I had mentioned the pathological condition known as Heat Stroke. Dogs (and on occasions, cats as well) are known to succumb to prolonged elevation of the animal’s body temperature caused by excessive exposure to high environmental temperature. The problem is, of course, more pronounced in animals whose breed origins are in temperate climates. The elevation of an animal’s core body temperature can lead to seizures (colloquially called “fits”) and tremors (a state of trembling and agitation of muscle groups). Remember that dogs do not perspire. The only way the animal can keep its body temperature balanced is via it;s breathing mechanisms.
Readers of this “PET CARE” column may have noted by now that I am frequently cautioning about the acquisition of dog breeds which do not fare well in our country (being right at the earth’s equator, with high humidity readings and below sea level). Such companion animals are high maintenance and need very special care.
Further, dogs bred to have cute (?) short snouts, often exhibit respiratory distress because the major anatomical apparatus (nostrils) needed to ensure effective passage of air through the airway is shortened. This anatomical deficiency negatively influences the animal’s ability to cool effectively. Let me be specific. Breeds such as Shih Tzus, Pekinese, Tibetan Terriers and Bichon Frises fall into the category of dogs with small inadequately developed snouts. One may think that only those small dogs with small snouts are prone to Heat Strokes. Well, larger breeds (e.g. the Boxer with its short snout) can exhibit Heat Stroke, especially if the animal is forced to overexert itself.
Lastly, the literature documents that obesity and excessive wooly, longhaired coats have been associated with Hyperthermia.
In summary, here are some of the “Risk Factors” associated with Heat Stroke/Hyperthermia.
• Brachycephalic (short snouted) dogs/cats.
• Geography and seasonality.
• Obesity.
• Too much physical exertion.
• Long-haired/thick-haired dogs.
• Pediatric and geriatric companion animals.
• Insufficient access to shade and cool water.

• Exposure to high ambient temperatures combined with inadequate heat dissipation.
• Keeping the animal in enclosed areas with too little access to oxygen and air circulation – for example locked up in cars.
• Placing the animals over lengthy periods in containers where heat accumulation is continuously increased
• Dogs prone to exhibiting anxiety related behaviour, e.g. pacing up and down.

COLLIE NOSE (Nasal Solar Dermatitis)
I do not believe that we have any pure-bred Collies in Guyana. But since the kind and collaborative input from the GHPC’s Burn Unit’s, Dr. Nandan (erroneously referred to as Head; please accept my apologies) mentioned the importance of the chemical Melanin in fighting off Radiation Burns, mention should be made to a particular ailment that some dogs of the Collie breed exhibit.
Collie Nose is a weeping, crusting dermatitis which affects not only Collies, but possibly any dog that lacks the Melanin pigment on the nose bridge surface.
Prior to the initial exhibition of the malady, the nose bridge seems quite normal. But with an increase and prolonged exposure to sunlight the skin on the nose bridge becomes inflamed. Then the hair begins to fall off. If no appropriate treatment is given, one sees an oozing of serum which soon congeals into a dry crust. The animal begins to incessantly scratch the nose and an ulcer develops, leading to the destruction of the nose bridge skin. That area bleeds easily.

The Treatment:
• Prevent the animal from being further exposed to sunlight.
• Keep the dog in the house/kennel during the day, and take him for his walks and excretion at night.
• Let your vet advise you on a soothing skin preparation containing an antibiotic and a steroid.
In my early days in Europe, tattooing the wounded area with black ink was always a compulsory treatment.