K9 Medicine - Dr. Jason Donohoe

Key Topics:

Why medics need to understand K9 trauma care


The overlap between human and canine emergency medicine

Common injuries in police, military, and search-and-rescue
dogs



MARCH for Canines—What’s Different?


The first "M" stands for Muzzle—securing the dog’s “weapon”
before treatment

Understanding the similarities in trauma care between humans
and dogs

Key differences in how canines respond to injury and shock



Massive Hemorrhage Control—Why Tourniquets Don’t Work on Dogs


Anatomical challenges—why dogs' limbs aren’t suited for
tourniquets

When to use direct pressure, wound packing, and hemostatic
agents

Junctional bleeding—where life-threatening hemorrhages happen
in dogs



Airway & Breathing—Why Intubating a Dog Is Easier Than You
Think


How to recognize respiratory distress vs. normal panting

Why dogs have larger, straighter airways than humans

Needle decompression for pneumothorax—landmarks and technique



Transporting an Injured K9—Avoid These Mistakes


Best positions and vehicles for safe transport

What paramedics, police, and handlers need to plan for before
an emergency



Shock & Fluid Resuscitation—The Critical Role of Femoral
Pulse Checks


How to assess perfusion in a dog without a blood pressure
cuff

Why EZ-IO is the best choice for vascular access in canines

When and how to administer fluids, TXA, and blood products



CPR for Dogs—Does It Work?


When CPR can save a dog—and when it won’t

How to perform chest compressions correctly

Naloxone for K9 opioid overdoses—it works, but dosing is
different



Medications & Pain Management—What Paramedics Can Safely Use


NSAIDs are dangerous for dogs—avoid them in trauma cases

Opioids, TXA, ketamine, and antibiotics—what’s safe and
effective?