CPCR (circulatory cardio-pulmonary resuscitation)..

CPCR
When people think of first aid their initial thought is to performing CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) now known as CPCR (circulatory cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) and this is something pet owners can perform on their pets.

CPCR is an act of forcing the heart to pump and physically instilling oxygen into the lungs, by the heart being pumped the blood carrying the oxygen is circulated around the body. Every animal and human ultimately dies due to lack of oxygen to the brain.
It is important to remember that the heart has stopped beating and the animal has stopped breathing for a reason and while performing CPCR may be replacing that function, the underlying cause is still there. It is rare for people and animals to come back after CPCR, despite what you see on the TV. If an animal or person is revived unless the underlying cause is effectively dealt with their body will shut down again. The reason for saying the above is that if you do have to perform CPCR at any time and it is not successful you must remind yourself that everything is stacked against you, it is not a failing on your part.

I would strongly advise watching a video of CPCR on the internet and/or attend a pet first aid course where you can practice on a dummy dog so you can understand what it entails and visualise the physical landmarks used in what I am about to explain.

In the event of collapse and your pet being non-responsive to any kind of stimuli:

1. Lay the animal on its side on a flat surface with the head and neck extended.
2. Check inside the animals’ mouth for anything that may be blocking its airway. Pull the tongue forward.
3. Watch/feel for signs of breathing (place your hand, cheek or your mobile phone in front of the mouth to feel/see the phone mist up.
4. Feel for a heart beat by placing your hand on the chest above where the heart is.  This can be located by gently bringing the front let backwards, when the elbow sits is where the heart is located.
5. If the animal is not breathing and does not have a heart best begin CPCR.
6. Large Dogs- Place the heel of one hand on the highest part of the chest then place the other hand on top of this hand. (Smaller dogs, just use one hand and very small dogs and cats place your hand with four fingers one side of the chest and your thumb just behind the animals’ elbow on the opposite side).
7. Push down on the chest about 1/3 – 1/2 of its width allowing the chest to fully expand before starting the next compression. Do this continuously times for 2 minutes.  It is easier to get into the correct rhythm if you sing a song...Examples are: Nelly the Elephant, Stayin Alive or Match of the Day
**(Historically you would be giving mouth to nose respiration's but it is now advised to give continual compression's as when the chest naturally recoils air is drawn into the lungs). **
8. Check for a heartbeat and breathing, if not seen repeat the cycle for another 2 minutes. Continue this until the animal has a heartbeat or is breathing by itself or you reach the veterinary surgery.
9. This is physically demanding so if there are more people that can rotate, the better-quality CPCR can be given.

PHONE YOUR VET AND ARRANGE TO ATTEND THE SURGERY IMMEDIATELY