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The
Story of Bear the Police Dog
(continued...page 3)
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| One hour after presentation
Bear appeared relatively stable. Although he had improved greatly
since his partner first carried him into the clinic, it was far
too early to predict if his condition would worsen or continue
to improve. The next 12-24 hours would be most critical; Bear’s
lungs might stiffen, bruising could continue to develop, and oxygen
delivery to his body could be seriously reduced. In some cases,
these results of lung trauma can be fatal. . |
We
were also concerned that the massive shock and lack of oxygen
to body tissues might lead to serious
inflammation in all his organs (Systemic Inflammatory Response
Syndrome or SIRS) and collapse of his blood clotting system
(DIC or disseminated intravascular coagulation). Platelets are
small
blood clotting components that become reduced in early DIC;
a platelet count showed normal platelet numbers at this time. The
plan for Bear was intensive. Treatments included oxygen supplementation,
intravenous fluid therapy, and an acid blocker to reduce
stomach acid. We were to monitor him his vital signs closely
and frequently,
and perform tests including arterial blood gases and pulse
oximetry
to assess his lung function, repeat chest radiographs to
see if his lungs were worsening, platelet number counts, and
blood
tests to the Central Laboratory for Veterinarians to look
at his white blood cell, total body profile and coagulation status.
At this point we could only watch and wait to see which way
Bear’s
lungs and body would go but at this point we were cautiously
optimistic
that Bear would continue to improve. |
| Throughout the afternoon
and evening, Constable Wong stayed close by his partner, Bear,
offering him comfort and reassurance. His devotion and emotional
bond to his partner was touching. A steady stream of concerned
men and women in blue uniforms with guns and crackling radios at
their hips wandered in an out of the hospital at all hours to check
on their co-worker, Bear. |
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