Heat-induced illness in dogs: 42 cases (1976-1993).
OBJECTIVE
To determine the typical history of and physical and clinicopathologic findings in dogs with heat-induced illness, and to correlate these findings with outcome.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
42 dogs with heat-induced illness.


METHODS
Dogs were included in the study if other medical problems had not been previously diagnosed and if clinical signs of illness developed after exposure to a warm environment. Information obtained from each record included time of year heat-induced illness developed, signalment, history, clinical signs, physical examination findings, results of clinicopathologic tests, treatment, clinical course, outcome, and necropsy results.


RESULTS
Overall, 27 dogs survived and 15 died or were euthanatized. Time of year was recorded for 40 dogs. Thirty-one of the 40 were examined before July. Hypothermia and coma at the time of initial examination were associated with a poor outcome. Serum cholesterol, albumin, and total protein concentrations were significantly lower, serum total bilirubin and creatinine concentrations were significantly higher, and ventricular arrhythmias were detected significantly more frequently in dogs that did not survive than in dogs that did.
Drobatz
K J
KJ
Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104, USA.
Macintire
D K
DK
D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001831:Body Temperature; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D018882:Heat Stress Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D010805:Physical Conditioning, Animal / Q000009:adverse effects; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D001786:Blood Glucose; D003404:Creatinine