The use of mechanical ventilation in treating traumatic respiratory failure

Abstract

A 5 year old, intact male Puli presented to the Emergency Service at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals for a hit by car. Previous care by the referring veterinarian included IV fluid therapy, oxygen supplementation, pain medication, and radiographs. The radiographs revealed several rib fractures and lung contusions. The dog was referred to Cornell with the main concern he would need to be placed on a ventilator. On presentation to Cornell the dog was in severe respiratory distress. He was tachypneic, dyspneic, and had cyanotic mucous membranes. Due to his injuries he was unable to properly oxygenate himself, and so his condition warranted the use of mechanical ventilation to support him. This paper discusses the use of mechanical ventilation in treating traumatic respiratory failure. It will follow a critical case and apply mechanical ventilation indications, the design of a breath, and process that goes along with weaning a patient off of the ventilator.