CPR / RECOVER Quick Reference
Canine & Feline Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
RECOVER Algorithm — Basic Life Support (BLS)
1. Recognize arrest
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2. Start compressions
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3. Intubate + 100% O₂
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4. IV/IO access
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5. ECG + drugs
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6. Reassess q2min
Dog — Chest Compressions
- Rate: 100–120 / min
- Depth: 1/4 to 1/3 chest width
- Position: Lateral recumbency
- Hand position: Over widest part of chest
- Recoil: Allow full chest recoil
- Ratio: 30:2 (compressions:ventilations)
Cat — Chest Compressions
- Rate: 100–120 / min
- Depth: 1/3 chest width
- Position: Lateral recumbency
- Technique: 1-hand or thumb-palm
- Recoil: Allow full chest recoil
- Ratio: 30:2 (compressions:ventilations)
Key: Minimize interruptions to <10 seconds. Switch compressor every 2 minutes. Begin compressions within 10 seconds of arrest recognition.
Advanced Life Support (ALS) — Drug Doses
| Drug | Dog Dose | Cat Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epinephrine (low) | 0.01 mg/kg | 0.01 mg/kg | IV/IO | Repeat q3–5 min; may escalate to high dose |
| Epinephrine (high) | 0.1 mg/kg | 0.1 mg/kg | IV/IO | Reserve for refractory arrest; 1:10,000 dilution |
| Atropine | 0.04 mg/kg | 0.04 mg/kg | IV/IO | Once only; for vagal / asystole / PEA |
| Vasopressin | 0.8 U/kg | 0.8 U/kg | IV/IO | Once; may substitute 1st or 2nd epi dose |
| Amiodarone | 5 mg/kg | 5 mg/kg | IV/IO | For refractory VF/pulseless VT; dilute in D5W |
| Lidocaine (bolus) | 2 mg/kg | 0.5–1 mg/kg | IV/IO | Cats: lower dose, repeat once if needed |
| Naloxone | 0.04 mg/kg | 0.04 mg/kg | IV/IM | If opioid-induced respiratory depression |
| Flumazenil | 0.02 mg/kg | 0.02 mg/kg | IV | If benzodiazepine-induced CNS depression |
Defibrillation
VFib / Pulseless VTach
- Biphasic: 2–4 J/kg (external)
- Monophasic: 4–6 J/kg (external)
- Resume compressions immediately after shock
- May escalate to max 10 J/kg
- Defibrillate q2min if VF persists
Reversible Causes — "The H's & T's"
- Hypovolemia
- Hypoxia
- Hydrogen ion (acidosis)
- Hypo-/hyperkalemia
- Hypothermia
- Toxins / tablets
- Tamponade (cardiac)
- Tension pneumothorax
- Thrombosis (pulmonary / coronary)
- Trauma
Ventilation Parameters
Dogs
- Rate: 10 breaths/min
- Tidal Vol: 10 mL/kg
- Peak pressure: 15–20 cmH₂O
Cats
- Rate: 10 breaths/min
- Tidal Vol: 10 mL/kg
- Peak pressure: 12–15 cmH₂O
Capnography
- Target ETCO₂: 15–25 mmHg
- >15 mmHg = adequate compressions
- Sudden rise = ROSC
Post-Arrest Care (ROSC)
Immediate Actions
- Check pulse, BP, SpO₂
- Continuous ECG monitoring
- Start vasopressor if hypotensive
- Dopamine: 5–10 mcg/kg/min
- Norepinephrine: 0.05–2 mcg/kg/min
Neuroprotective Measures
- Target MAP ≥ 80 mmHg
- Target PaCO₂ 35–45 mmHg
- Target temp: 36.5–37.5°C
- Avoid hyperthermia & hyperglycemia
- Consider mannitol if cerebral edema
Disclaimer: This card is for educational reference only. Always verify drug concentrations, dosing, and protocols against current references and institutional guidelines. RECOVER = Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation.