What is
heat stroke?
Heat stroke (also
known as hyperthermia) is a life threatening medical condition
in which the body's internal organs (liver, kidneys, lungs,
heart & brain) begin to shut down as a
result of elevated body temperature caused by high temperatures
& humidity.
Humans are able to
reduce their body temperature by releasing sweat at the surface
of the skin. Cats protect themselves against high temperatures by panting & licking the fur. Cats
can become overheated very easily, more so than humans as
panting isn't a particularly efficient way to cool down the
animal.
The
cat's body temperature is approximately 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit,
or 38.2 to 39.2 Celsius. If the outside temperature is
warmer than the cat's internal temperature heatstroke is a very
real possibility.
What are the
symptoms of heat stroke?
-
Rapid panting
-
Bright red tongue
-
Dark red gums or pale gums
-
Salivating (thick)
-
Weakness
-
Anxiety
-
Dizziness
-
Muscle tremors
-
Lethargy
-
Capillary refill time of less than 1 second
-
Vomiting (possibly with blood)
-
Diarrhoea (possibly with blood)
-
Bleeding from the nose (this is indicative of disseminated
intravascular coagulopathy [DIC]), which is a condition in
which the blood clotting system fails.
-
Coma
Some cats are more susceptible than others, these include short
nosed breeds such as Persians & Exotics, young & old
cats, obese cats & cats with airway disease.
How to avoid
heat stroke in cats:
-
Never leave your cat in a parked car, even in the cooler months,
this is especially important in hot weather. If you are
travelling with your cat in the car, provide adequate
ventilation.
-
If your has access to the outdoors (either free to roam or in an
enclosure) make sure they have access to a shaded area where
they can escape from the sun & heat.
-
If your cat is indoors only, give it access to a cool area. It
is especially important not to confine the cat to any room where
temperatures are especially high, such as a sunroom.
-
Always ensure your cat has an adequate supply of fresh, cool,
clean water, indoors & outdoors.
-
Avoid strenuous activity in high temperatures.
-
Limit exposure to the outdoors in the hotter months between
11.00am & 3.00pm.
-
Keep your cat indoors during hot days, and if possible with the
air conditioning or a fan turned on.
Should I treat
my cat at home & how?
If
the heat stroke is mild (body temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit
or 40 degrees Celsius), you may be able to bring the cat's
temperature down at home by wrapping it in cool, wet towels to
the fur or immersing the cat in cool water. Apply ice packs to
the head. Once the body temperature has returned to normal,
stop cooling or you may cause hypothermia in your cat.
Monitor your cat's rectal temperature, every 5 - 10 minutes.
Once you have brought your cat's temperature down take it to the
vet. The cat may appear to be over the incident, but damage may
have been caused to the organs, so it is always recommended your
cat is given a check over by a veterinarian.
Put
rubbing alcohol on the cat's paws to assist in bringing the
temperature down.
If
you have a fan or air conditioning turn this on, evaporation
will help cool the cat.
Keep your cat in a cool place.
Offer plenty of cool, fresh water.
If
the body temperature is 105 degrees Fahrenheit or 40.5 degrees
Celcius take the cat to the vet immediately. If possible, have
somebody else drive, while you attempt to bring down the
temperature on the way, via the above methods.
How will my
veterinarian treat heat stroke in my cat?
Some ways your veterinarian will treat your cat are as
follows:
Your veterinarian will carefully bring your cat's body
temperature down to a safe level.
The cat may be given oxygen.
Fluid therapy to correct dehydration.
Heat stroke can be associated with swelling in the throat,
aggravating the problem. Your vet may give the cat a cortisone
injection to treat this. [1]
Your cat will be carefully monitored for signs of organ
damage.
Aftercare:
Cats who have
suffered heatstroke are at greater risk of getting it again. So
it is important to take the necessary steps to avoid this.
Carefully monitor
your cat's health for signs of possible long term damage caused
by the heatstroke & speak to your veterinarian if you see
anything unusual.
Watch for blood in
the urine.
Your veterinarian
may prescribe a special diet which will put less strain on the
damaged kidneys.
References:
[1] Cat Owner's
Home Veterinary Handbook by Delbert G. Carlson & James M.
Giffin.
