Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPCR)
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPCR)
Authored by: The VIN Emergency Medicine Folder Staff
Cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation (CPCR, formerly abbreviated as CPR) is the treatment required to save an animal's life when suffering cardiopulmonary arrest.
The goal of CPCR is to provide sufficient blood flow and oxygen to the brain and other vital organs until more advanced medical therapy can be initiated.
Unlike what we often see portrayed on television, most patients who suffer cardiac arrest cannot be saved, even with CPCR. In a study from the University of California at Davis, researchers found that long-term survival among feline patients was extremely poor. Only 2.3% of feline patients receiving CPCR survived to be discharged from the hospital alive. These findings closely parallel similar studies in human medicine.
What is CPCR?
CPCR consists of two components:
- Rescue breathing
- Chest compressions
Together, these techniques help keep the lungs supplied with oxygen while maintaining blood circulation to the brain and other vital organs.
Types of CPCR
Basic CPCR is performed by trained bystanders at the scene of the arrest.
Advanced CPCR is performed by trained teams of professionals.
For pet owners, understanding the principles of basic CPCR is most important.
Why immediate action matters
All body tissues require a continuous supply of oxygen.
If oxygen delivery is interrupted for only a few minutes, irreversible damage can occur. If cardiopulmonary arrest takes place, basic CPCR should be initiated immediately.
Recent research has shown that chest compressions alone may be as effective as combining chest compressions with rescue breathing during the first few minutes following arrest.
Therefore, if only one rescuer is available, it is advisable to perform chest compressions only.
Basic CPCR: Rescue Breathing
(If two people are present)
1. Make certain the animal is unconscious
Talk to your pet first.
Gently touch and attempt to awaken them. Attempting CPCR on an animal that is sleeping heavily or startled awake could result in serious injury to the rescuer.
2. Ensure an open airway
- Extend the head and neck.
- Pull the tongue forward.
- Look inside the mouth and remove any saliva or vomitus.
If visibility is poor, carefully sweep your finger into the mouth and throat to remove any foreign material.
Important: A hard, smooth, bone-like structure deep in the throat may be the hyoid apparatus (Adam's apple). Pulling on this structure could cause serious injury.
3. Observe for effective breathing
Sometimes pets begin breathing spontaneously once their airway is positioned correctly.
Watch for chest movement and listen carefully for breathing sounds.
If no breathing is evident within 10 seconds, begin rescue breathing.
4. Begin rescue breathing
Rescue breathing is performed by covering the pet's nose with your mouth and forcefully blowing air into the lungs.
In cats and small dogs:
- Hold the corners of the mouth tightly closed.
- Blow into the nose until the chest expands.
In larger dogs:
- Pull the tongue forward.
- Hold the mouth and lips closed using both hands around the muzzle.
- Blow into the nose until the chest expands.
Allow the chest to deflate naturally between breaths.
5. Give 3 to 5 full breaths
After several breaths:
- Pause briefly.
- Reassess breathing and heart function.
If the pet is still not breathing:
Cats and small dogs:
- Continue rescue breathing 20–25 times per minute.
Medium and large dogs:
- Continue rescue breathing 12–20 times per minute.
Gently press on the stomach area every few seconds to help expel air that may have entered the stomach.
Excessive stomach distention can reduce the effectiveness of rescue breathing.
If breathing remains shallow or absent
If your pet remains unconscious and breathing is shallow or nonexistent:
- Continue rescue breathing 10–15 times per minute.
- Transport the pet immediately to the nearest veterinary facility.
Basic CPCR: Chest Compressions
(If one or two people are present)
1. Check for a pulse
After ensuring the airway is open, check for a pulse.
If no pulse is detected, begin chest compressions.
Chest compressions for small dogs and cats
- Use one or both hands to squeeze the chest.
- Compress the rib cage circumferentially.
- Perform compressions 100–150 times per minute.
Chest compressions for large dogs
- Use one or both hands, depending on the size of the dog and rescuer.
- If the dog is lying on its side, compress the widest part of the chest.
- If the dog is on its back, compress over the breastbone.
- Depress the chest approximately 1.5 to 4 inches, depending on the dog's size.
- Perform compressions 80–120 times per minute.
Coordinating breaths and compressions
If possible, provide rescue breaths during chest compressions.
If coordination is not possible:
- Deliver two breaths after every 12 compressions.
Continue CPCR until one of the following occurs:
- You become too exhausted to continue.
- Veterinary professionals take over care.
- A strong, regular heartbeat or palpable pulse returns.
Even if heart function resumes, artificial ventilation may still be necessary due to nervous system depression following the arrest.
Seek veterinary care immediately
All resuscitated animals should be transported to a veterinary facility for further examination and treatment.
Date Published: 12/31/1994
Date Reviewed/Revised: 8/13/2009
Copyright 2009–2014 by the Veterinary Information Network, Inc. All rights reserved.
