NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine Hosts “K-9 Down” Seminar

North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is offering a two-day seminar this weekend (Feb. 18-19) as part of a national “K-9 Down” program that instructs working dog handlers and rescue personnel in life-saving procedures for their canine partners.

The highly specialized seminar is designed for police officers, firefighters, tactical medics, search and rescue teams, military personnel, and other dog handlers who may need to respond to canine health emergencies in the field. Two days in length, the popular course includes Saturday lectures and training sessions on Sunday for participants to gain or refine emergency treatment skills.

Topics covered in the seminar include conducting a basic physical exam; administering intravenous fluids and therapeutic interventions for shock; anesthesia and analgesia in the field; wound management; and treating poisoning, heat stroke, burns, smoke inhalation, and blast and penetrating injuries.  

CVM instructors will include Drs. Rita Hanel, Steve Marks, Brian Trumpatori, Eric Rowe, Renee Krebs, and David Dorman. Dr. Sheilah Robertson, a professor at the University of Florida who established the “K-9 Down” program, will also participate as an instructor.

This is the seventh year the CVM has held the “K-9 Down” seminar.