Airway Obstruction - Heimlich Maneuver

If the airways are obstructed by a foreign body, the regular gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide through the lungs can no longer occur or is severely restricted. The oxygen supply to the brain and other vital organs is limited, and within a few minutes, death by suffocation can occur (➞ Choking).

One measure to clear the airways is the Heimlich maneuver.

If your pet is able to cough vigorously, applying the Heimlich maneuver is usually not necessary. In cases where your pet’s cough is atypical, quiet, or gurgling, the oralOral means “through the mouth” and refers to the intake of food, medication, or other substances through the mouth. In veterinary medicine, many treatments are administered orally. mucous membranes turn bluish, and the suspected foreign body cannot be seen or removed from the oralOral means “through the mouth” and refers to the intake of food, medication, or other substances through the mouth. In veterinary medicine, many treatments are administered orally. cavity, begin the Heimlich maneuver.

The pressure in the abdominalThe term “abdominal” refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. cavity is temporarily increased by the following measures:

• Grasp your pet from behind/above, immediately below the ribs, and clasp your hands together over your pet’s abdomenThe abdomen, also known as the abdominal cavity, is the part of the body located between the rib cage and the pelvis. It houses several important organs, including the stomach, liver, kidneys, intestines, and spleen..
• Apply a short, quick pressure to your pet’s abdomenThe abdomen, also known as the abdominal cavity, is the part of the body located between the rib cage and the pelvis. It houses several important organs, including the stomach, liver, kidneys, intestines, and spleen., directed towards the chest. This exerts pressure on the diaphragm, leading to an exhalation thrust in the lungs. The airflow thus generated can expel the foreign body.
• This maneuver is repeated in quick succession.
• Small dogs and cats can be held firmly. The animal’s face should be directed downwards, with the head hanging lower than the chest.
• Repeated, measured tapping on the back can lead to the loosening and expulsion of the foreign body.
• It is sometimes recommended to apply brief pressure with the arm to the upper abdominalThe term “abdominal” refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. region synchronously with tapping on the back. However, there is a risk that stomach contents may be pushed upwards and enter the tracheaThe trachea, or windpipe, is a tubular organ that carries air from the upper respiratory tract to the bronchi in the lungs. It consists of ring-shaped pieces of cartilage that ensure it remains open..
• If your pet becomes unconscious, begin resuscitationResuscitation includes measures to revive animals after a cardiac arrest or severe respiratory depression. These may include chest compressions and artificial respiration..