Smoke exposure in dogs: 27 cases (1988-1997)

Objective evaluate clinical findings, prognostic variables, and clinical co urse of dogs exposed to smoke. Design-Retrospective study. Animals-27 dogs exposed to smoke in residential fires. Procedure-Medical records were reviewed for 1988-1997. Time of year, signal ment, interval from fire to arrival at veterinary hospital, duration of smo ke exposure, clinical signs at the fire scene, physical examination finding s, changes in respiratory tract signs, radiographic findings, hematologic a nd arterial blood gas analyses, initial treatment, clinical course, and out come 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 c omplicated clinical course. Stupor or coma (8 of 17 dogs), coughing or gagg ing (6), and respiratory difficulty (6) were commonly observed at the fire scene. Substantial improvement was evident within 5 to 30 minutes after dog s 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 and Clinical Relevance-Dogs exposed to smoke can develop respir atory or neurologic complications. Monitoring progression of respiratory pr oblems on the day after the fire may provide clinicians with clues about th e seventy of each dog's condition.