Smoke exposure in dogs: 27 cases (1988-1997).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate clinical findings, prognostic variables, and clinical course of dogs exposed to smoke.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
27 dogs exposed to smoke in residential fires.


METHODS
Medical records were reviewed for 1988-1997. Time of year, signalment, interval from fire to arrival at veterinary hospital, duration of smoke exposure, clinical signs at the fire scene, physical examination findings, changes in respiratory tract signs, radiographic findings, hematologic and arterial blood gas analyses, initial treatment, clinical course, and outcome were recorded.


RESULTS
27 dogs (16 uncomplicated and 11 complicated cases) were identified. In the complicated group, 4 dogs died, 4 were euthanatized, and 3 had a complicated clinical course. Stupor or coma (8 of 17 dogs), coughing or gagging (6), and respiratory difficulty (6) were commonly observed at the fire scene. Substantial improvement was evident within 5 to 30 minutes after dogs were given supplemental oxygen at the fire scene. More severely affected dogs had a higher median PCV (58%) than less severely affected dogs (50%). Most common thoracic radiographic findings were an alveolar (10 dogs) or an interstitial (3) pattern.


CONCLUSIONS
Dogs exposed to smoke can develop respiratory or neurologic complications. Monitoring progression of respiratory problems on the day after the fire may provide clinicians with clues about the severity of each dog's condition.
Drobatz
K J
KJ
Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104-6010, USA.
Walker
L M
LM
Hendricks
J C
JC
D000818:Animals; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis / Q000662:veterinary; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005390:Fires; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006400:Hematocrit / Q000662:veterinary; D006760:Hospitalization; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000662:veterinary; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015208:Smoke Inhalation Injury / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D013997:Time Factors