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The
Story of Bear the Police Dog
(continued...page 4)
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| As feared, Bear’s
blood gas values worsened in the middle of the night, indicating
lung damage. By giving nasal oxygen we were able to keep the amount
of oxygen in his blood normal, but without the extra oxygen he
would become hypoxemic (low oxygen in his bloodstream). Repeat
radiographs of his chest showed mild changes only. Although this
turn for the worse was not unexpected it was still concerning and
we remained vigilant for other signs of deterioration in his condition. |
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Despite the worsening in his lung function,
Bear himself was feeling much better at this point and we were
having difficulty keeping his nasal oxygen line in place.
Treatment
can become a catch 22; the patients feel good so they resist
the treatment that makes them feel good! Bear improved throughout the morning and the next day. His nasal
oxygen was gradually decreased and an arterial blood gas taken
just short of 24 hours after presentation showed completely normal
lung function. Amazingly, Bear was ready to go home 24 hours
after his electrocution.
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There was concern that Bear might have suffered enough brain
damage from lack of oxygen that he would lose some of his training
and would not be fit to resume work. Happily, this has not been
the case and Bear returned to work as fit and able as ever.
Thanks to the heroic and quick actions of his fellow police officers,
and his treatment at the VAEC, Bear has made a remarkable recovery.
(The bare patches on Bear’s nose still bear testament to
his brush with death!)
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