Cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation in small animals - a clinical practice review (part 1)

Objective: To review the principles and practice of cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation (CPCR) in veterinary medicine, and to incorporate recommendations from the human International Guidelines 2000 Conference on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Data sources: Clinical and experimental studies from the human and veterinary literature were reviewed for this manuscript. Summary: CPCR consists of basic life support measures, advanced life support measures, and post-resuscitation care. Part I of this article introduces the evidence-based recommendations from human medicine and reviews basic life support, which consists of establishing a patent airway, providing assisted ventilation, and performing chest compressions. The techniques for both closed chest and open chest CPCR are discussed. Part II of this article will appear in a following issue and will focus on advanced life support and post-resuscitation care. Conclusions: Although the prognosis of animals receiving CPCR is generally poor, the likelihood of a successful outcome is improved by the rapid recognition of cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) and the immediate implementation of CPCR efforts. Basic life support measures are the foundation of all CPCR, and these techniques offer the most effective means to achieve return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Some recent recommendations to improve basic life support in humans may be applied to veterinary patients; however, clinical research evaluating these techniques in veterinary CPCR is still necessary.