[Evidence-based guidelines for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation in the dog and cat]

Early recognition of a cardio-pulmonary arrest (CPA) is crucial for patient survival. Every non-breathing and non-responsive patient should be considered to have CPA, and examination of the vital signs should last no longer than 5-10 seconds. If in doubt, effective chest compressions should be started immediately (frequency of 100-120 compressions per minute, compression depth one third to half of the chest diameter, full chest wall recoil between the compressions, no interruption, change of compressing person every 2 minutes). Furthermore, the patient should be intubated and ventilated as early as possible with a frequency of 10 breaths per minute and a volume of 10 ml/kg. Additional measures include monitoring (electrocardiogram, end-expiratory carbon dioxide concentration), placement of an intravenous or intraosseous catheter, administration of opioid-, benzodiazepine- and/or α2-antagonists and ECG-dependent therapy to restore spontaneous circulation. In the case of asystole and pulseless electric activity, epinephrine (0.01 mg/kg every 3-5 minutes, alternative dose concept: 0.1 mg/kg epinephrine) is advised. In the case of CPA due to elevated vagal tonus or bradycardia, atropine should be given (0.04 mg/kg every 3-5 minutes). If ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachyarrhythmia is present, defibrillation is the therapy of choice. When this is not possible, amiodarone (5 mg/kg) or lidocaine (2 mg/kg) should be administered. Furthermore, 100% oxygen should be given during resuscitation, while only a few patients benefit from infusion therapy. Following the return of spontaneous circulation, intensive care of the patient is necessary. This involves intense monitoring and support of the haemodynamic situation using intravenous fluids, vasopressors and positive inotropic drugs as well as an improvement of gas exchange and neuroprotection.