Heat Stroke

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Approved for one hour California Statutory CEU

Heatstroke is a common seasonal presentation in the ER and can occur year-round in warmer regions; more than a seasonal concern, it can be life-threatening.  Even when active cooling is effective, the sequelae can be severe.  This lecture reviews the etiology and pathophysiology of heatstroke, discusses pre-hospital and clinical interventions, reviews secondary effects of heatstroke, and reviews the literature available on risk factors and prognostic indicators.

Learning objectives/core concepts:

• Review of the etiology of canine heatstroke
• Review the pathophysiology of canine heatstroke
• Review the treatment of canine heatstroke, including active cooling, the role of plasma, and risk of kidney injury
• Discuss recent research that seeks to determine risk factors and prognostic indicators

Speaker: Kelly Foltz, LVT, VTS (ECC)

Bio: Kelly Foltz is a 1999 graduate of Mercer University with a bachelor’s degree in English and a 2006 graduate of Athens Technical College with an associate of applied technology degree in Veterinary Technology.  She joined the Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians and Nurses in 2012 with recertifications in 2017 and 2022.  From 2012-2020, Kelly was employed by Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine as an inpatient/urgent care technician and supervisor and in August of 2020 she relocated to Gainesville, FL to accept a position as an ICU shift lead at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2022, Kelly joined BluePearl as their Mid-Atlantic Regional Nursing Partner, where she serves as a nurse administrator for hospitals in MD, VA, KY, TN, NC, SC, and GA.  In addition to her clinical work, Kelly is a lecturer, author, educator, and served on the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities from 2017-23, serving as Vice Chair in 2021-2022 and as Chair in 2022-2023.  She has represented technicians on the AVMA Task Force on Veterinary Technician Utilization in 2019 and the Working Group on Veterinary Technician Utilization in 2020-21.  Her professional interests include technician engagement and education, feline medicine, neonatal and pediatric nursing, trauma, and vascular access.  Kelly maintains active credentials in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.  In an alternate universe, she is a flower farmer, pickle entrepreneur, and full-time beekeeper.