So sad - Page 2

The dog was set to retire after the event. There was a previous injury and when the dog set up for the jump on the courage test, he landed wrong and injured his leg, before he made contact with the helper. The judge and helper noticed immediately and stopped as soon as the dog was saftely back on the ground. Unfortunately, his retirement started at that momemt. This dog goes into surgery today, but should make a full recovery for retirement. I am happy for his owner that the dog will make a full retirement recovery.

Another sad thing to report is that Ronny Burmer's dog Aldo passed away just the day after the WUSV.

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An easy/cheap/fast improvised stretcher for a dog is a blanket with two people carrying. Dog is not as likely to try to jump/wiggle out of the blanket because it "gives" and doesn't provide a push-off/launching point. The blanket automatically conforms to the dog's position and is easily "opened" to provide vet access.

Also, any human-sized stretcher/improvised stretcher. If I have to use a manufactured human litter, I like the Stokes because they're baskets and easier to restrain a dog (with the net or hooked-in straps/harness/leashes) than a flat stretcher.

I'm surprised at least minimal equipment isn't standard at events...

Hugs and prayers...

GSCat, that was one of the first things I noticed, when assistance came out on the field--I immediately thought, WTF, no canine stretcher?!? I should think that for an event like that, there would be an on-site veterinarian with an emergency kit that included one, for that matter.

GSCat, Hexe: my sentiments exactly; such events ought to have something readily available.

No disrespect to the clearly traumatized owner, but enough people gathered around that dog to have thought of calling for, or improvising, a stretcher - and yet they all milled around, apparently doing bugger all. (I do so hope none of them are my only posibility for rescue, if I fall down in the street somewhere !)

I'm sure there was a EMS (and vehicle) there for any problems with anyone or any of the "Helpers"...Which I'm sure was also equipped with a stretcher...Why didn't they use that to help an injured dog...
I am very disappointed that particularly at these large Trials that these things aren't thought of and offered...


~Bob~

Maybe someone will see these posts and rectify the oversight. Maybe someone here can contact their organization/club (PSA, GSDCA, etc.) and make the suggestion.  I'll send an email to AKC.  EDIT:  Email sent.  And to CFA for good measure

Unless someone had experience with moving sick/injured dogs/cats/people on stretchers (or improvised stretchers, as happens in the military), it is possible/probable, no one would have thought about how to improvise something or do it at all. Most people that do not know what to do, won't do anything until and unless someone that knows what to do (or appears to know what to do) tells them what to do.  Sadly, no one seemed to know what to do, except finally, get the dog off the field.  Everyone had those big coats on... proper use of one or two of those would have made movement easier, less painful for the dog, and less likely to cause further damage.

In fairness to any EMS/ambulance on-site, EMS/ambulance company might have a policy against using anything in/on the ambulance for animals. Additionally, EMS doing anything for animals would likely be a personal and ambulance company liability because it would likely be outside the scope of practice.

I have appropriate gear to do first aid for various stuff in my car, with a smaller kit in the bag with the dog's crate used for travel/events. Not a vet tech, veterinarian, etc., although I did take a K9 CPR/first aid course.  I know if something happens to my dog/cat (or me), I want to ensure at least the basics are available until we can get professional help. Veterinary ambulances can (unfortunately) be hard to locate/may be in short supply/not available when needed
 

Update: Got an automated response from AKC (receipt of email kind of thing).

Got the following in a reply email from CFA: "no, we longer vet Cat shows as in years past. Each CFA show or event has a number and address for a Emergency Vet in the area."

What concerned me was the very real potential that the dog would bite his handler or the other persons helping to carry him off the field, given the degree of pain that's involved with a broken or fracture bone--it wasn't possible to stabilize the dog or his leg from shifting as they made their way, and it's a long walk off the field. No one would have blamed the dog under the circumstances, but the situation certainly didn't need to be worsened by adding a human injury to the day. Luckily it appears the dog handled himself admirably. May he enjoy a long and healthy retirement!

Well...If EMS isn't able to use their equipt for a dog in need...then maybe the organization should at least have a Golf Cart or something available for a problem...Just like they have and use for Football Players or the such...Even a pick-up truck can help in this type situation...

~Bob~