Circulatory Collapse, Seizures, 1980s Medicine – Who Won?

Third in a series

Lying semiconscious in the hot summer sun had driven big, fuzzy, and black-haired Sadie’s temperature into heat stroke territory. Her seizuring ratcheted it to 105.

I directed our assistant Doug to pack alcohol-soaked gauze sponges between Sadie’s foot pads to dissipate heat. She also needed treatment for shock, not to mention Golden Malrin fly bait poisoning. With a bit of luck I got an IV started, no easy feat with a dog on the edge of vascular collapse. Amos marked the time on the bottle of lactated ringers and raised it high on the IV stand so it would run fast. (Yes, fluids came in glass back then and, no, infusion pumps had not yet made their debut.)

Golden Malrin is a methomyl carbamate toxin. It attracts flies but it can kill anybody. I gave IV atropine to counter its neurologic effects. A series of IV Valium injections helped ease poor Sadie’s seizures. She began to stabilize and, for better or for worse, remained unconscious. We were in a tight race against a generous helping of deadly poison.

Adjusting the treatment table to angle Sadie’s head down, I slid a lubricated stomach tube into her esophagus. Out came the golden granules – a whole lot of it. We rinsed multiple times until all her stomach gave back was clear water.

By now, Sadie’s vital signs were stabilizing. Were we winning? Her trembling and seizures had stopped but her body temperature was heading south. Too far? Too fast? With help from our hot water circulating pad and plenty of blankets we supported her as best possible. Amos and Doug took charge of monitoring with strict instructions to interrupt me as-needed.

When the excitement ebbs and the adrenalin wanes I have felt suddenly tired – and hungry. Time had gotten away. Martha handed me a couple of medical records; my appointments were waiting. I bit my sandwich while reading my next patient’s history. Martha was on it, having already ordered lunch for Amos, Doug, and herself. (Yes, we did have phones in the ‘80s).

Next week: Sadie’s folks were preoccupied – and worried.

For help with behavior problems, you can sign-up for a Zoom Group Conference on my website, drjeffnichol.com.

Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist. He provides consultations in-person and in groups by Zoom (drjeffnichol.com). Each week he shares a blog and a video to help bring out the best in pets and their people. Sign up at no charge at drjeffnichol.com. Post pet questions through my website, drjeffnichol.com/contact/ or by US Post to 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuq, NM 87109.