title: [Heatstroke in dogs in southern Germany. A retrospective study over a 5.5-year period].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Heatstroke is a life-threating emergency in dogs. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse the sources of heat stroke in dogs, predisposing and prognostic factors, results of physical examination and clinical pathology as well as the course of this condition and appropriate treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patient histories of 12 dogs diagnosed with heat stroke over a 5.5-year period were analysed retrospectively. Normality was tested using the Kolmogrow-Smirnow Test and analysed using T-tests, the Chi-square test and the Mann-Whitney U-test. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Heat stroke occurred most frequently during summer, particularly in the afternoon. The most common cause of heat stroke was heat exposition in a car. Brachycephalic breeds were overrepresented. The most common clinical signs were polypnoea, tachycardia, hyperthermia and depression to prostration as well as gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. Clinical pathology results included haemoconcentration, thrombocytopenia, hyperkalemia, prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time and azotemia. Therapies employed included oxygen application, cooling, fluid therapy and administration of gastrointestinal protectants, antiemetics and antibiotics. Duration of hospitalization was 1-6 days. The overall mortality rate was 50%. Most of the non-survivors died or were euthanized within 24-48 hours after presentation. All animals remaining alive after 3 days survived and could be discharged from hospital.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Heat stroke is a life-threating condition, which can lead to shock, sepsis, coagulation disorders and multiorgan failure. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are important factors for a positive outcome. Furthermore, intensive monitoring and rapid therapy adaption as required are pivotal.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Teichmann
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Turković
authors.affiliation: Dr. René Dörfelt, Medizinische Kleintierklinik, der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Veterinärstraße 13, 80539 München, E-Mail: r.doerfelt@medizinische-kleintierklinik.de.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dörfelt
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004285:Dogs; D005858:Germany; D018883:Heat Stroke / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
keywords: Hyperthermia; coagulopathy; emergency medicine; prognostic factors