ABSTRACT
Cardiopulmonary arrest is usually the result of a cardiac dysrhythmia. Warning signs of cardiopulmonary arrest include changes in the respiratory rate, depth, or pattern; a weak or irregular pulse; bradycardia; hypotension; unexplained changes in the depth of anesthesia; cyanosis; and hypothermia. Readiness for patients at risk for arrest also includes preparing an emergency drug card for each patient. Once the airway is cleared and established, and the animal is assessed to be not breathing, two long, artificially ventilated breaths are administered with 100% oxygen. The weak link in Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the inability of chest compressions to achieve adequate blood flow to the vital organs. The advent of modern CPR began with Kouwenhoven’s description of external chest compressions in 1960, 24 and until recently, many of the theories and techniques behind its use went unquestioned.
