Recognising, clinically grading and managing heat‐related illness (heatstroke) in dogs

Background : Heat‐related illness (HRI) is an acute progressive disorder characterised by multisystemic thermal cellular damage caused by a prolonged elevation beyond the critical point in core body temperature (≥41.0°C). Body temperature elevation in HRI is non‐pyrogenic and can be triggered by extrinsic environmental heating (eg, confinement in hot vehicles or buildings, exposure to high ambient heat), intrinsic exertional heating (eg, exercise, seizures, stress, tremors) or a combination of both. Major risk factors for dogs for HRI include brachycephalic skull shape, advancing age, obesity and being a large breed. Research indicates duration and elevation beyond the critical temperature predicts HRI severity; therefore, early recognition of clinical signs indicating HRI are essential to promote rapid effective cooling to limit disease progression and improve patient outcome. Aim of the article : This article aims to provide an overview of the clinical recognition, grading and management of HRI in dogs.