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Prudent emergency medical personnel are prepared to provide canine first-aid and life-saving interventions until the canine can be transferred to the nearest veterinary treatment facility. EMS, Police, and medical providers associated with organizations utilizing "working dogs" are frequently called to assist in emergent canine care. Civilian and military medical centers operating near facilities with working dogs, police K9 units, or search and rescue operations should be prepared for the imminent threat of emergent canine injuries and illness. Well-prepared medical personnel and facilities will aim to achieve similar standards and monitoring provided for humans in their emergent canine care—including pulse oximetry. Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive method for monitoring blood oxygen saturation (SpO2). A pulse oximeter algorithmically estimates oxygen saturation in the blood based on photoplethysmographic pulses and wavelengths of light absorption by deoxygenated and oxygenated hemoglobin.[1] Pulse oximetry is primarily used in place of arterial blood gas measurement of arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2).[2] Pulse oximetry is more convenient, safe, and inexpensive than invasive arterial blood gas collection.[3] Pulse oximetry is considered reliable and sufficiently accurate to detect a significant decline in respiratory function (approximately 2%-4% expected error in clinical studies and an accuracy of 2% in 95% of cases per the manufacturer).[1] Pulse oximetry monitoring is considered the standard of care in patients receiving anesthesia, resuscitation, and respiratory monitoring to assess blood oxygenation. Overall, the technique and normal pulse oximetry ranges are similar to human medical care. The most significant difference is human pulse oximetry is commonly performed on the fingernail bed; other tissues must be utilized for canine care.

Proper training, quality equipment, and adherence to technique and treatment protocols are essential for accurate and effective SpO2 monitoring. While there are challenges and limitations associated with canine SPO2 monitoring, it remains a valuable tool in emergent canine care. SpO2 monitoring in canine casualties can significantly improve patient outcomes and survival rates. Further research and clinical studies are needed to explore the accuracy and efficacy of canine pulse oximetry in different clinical scenarios and to establish standardized protocols and guidelines for its use in emergency canine care. Medical personnel should stay updated on the latest techniques and guidelines related to canine pulse oximetry.