Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Heat stroke risk factors and outcomes in 54 dogs study
By Bruchim, Yaron et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2006·School of Veterinary Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Heat stroke in dogs: A retrospective study of 54 cases (1999-2004) and analysis of risk factors for death.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 54 dogs diagnosed with heat stroke were treated at a veterinary hospital, with many showing severe symptoms like high body temperature and signs of distress. Most cases occurred during the summer months, particularly in breeds like Belgian Malinois, Golden Retrievers, and brachycephalic breeds (like Bulldogs), which are more prone to heat-related issues. Unfortunately, half of the dogs did not survive, with complications such as kidney failure and blood clotting disorders contributing to the high mortality rate. Despite treatment, heat stroke can lead to serious health risks, so it's crucial for pet owners to keep their dogs cool and hydrated, especially in hot weather.
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Abstract
The medical records of 54 dogs presented to the Hebrew University Veterinary Teaching Hospital and diagnosed with heat stroke were retrospectively reviewed. Data abstracted included history, clinical and clinicopathological signs at admission, treatment, disease progression, and outcome. Exertional and environmental heat stroke were present in 63% (34 of 54) and 37% (20 of 54) of the dogs, respectively, and 78% (42 of 54) were examined between June and August. The mean temperature and heat discomfort index in the particular days of heat stroke were significantly increased (P < .001, P < .001, respectively) compared with their corresponding average daily values. In 27 dogs the body temperature was > or = 41 degrees C (105.8 degrees F). Belgian Malinois (15%, odds ratio [OR] = 24, 95% confidence interval [CI95%] 8.2-64.5), Golden and Labrador Retrievers (21%, OR = 2.08, CI95% 0.95-4.2), and brachycephalic breeds (25%, OR = 1.7, CI95%], 0.81-3.21) were overrepresented, whereas small breeds (<8 kg) were underrepresented (2%, OR = 0.08, CI95%, 0.002-0.48). Thrombocytopenia (45 of 54 dogs) and prolongation of the prothrombin (PT) and activated thromboplastin (aPTT) times (27 of 47 dogs) were recorded during hospitalization. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (P = .013) and acute renal failure (P = .008), diagnosed in 28 of 54 and 18 of 54 of the cases, respectively, were risk factors for death. The overall mortality rate was 50%. Hypoglycemia (<47 mg/dL, P = .003), prolonged PT (>18 seconds, P = .05), and aPTT (>30 sec, P < .001) at admission were associated with death. Serum creatinine >1.5 mg/dL (P = .003) after 24 hours, delayed admission (>90 minutes, P = .032), seizures (P = .02), and obesity (P = .04) were also risk factors for death. Heat stroke in dogs results in serious complications and high fatality rate despite appropriate treatment.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16496921/