Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Understanding CPR

Seeing a beloved pet become critically unwell can be one of the most distressing experiences an owner can face. During these difficult moments, you may hear the term cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or be asked whether you would like CPR to be attempted if your pet’s heart or breathing were to stop.

This factsheet explains what CPR is, when it may be used, and what it involves in a veterinary hospital setting. We hope it will help you better understand this aspect of emergency and critical care and support any discussions you may have with your veterinary team.

What is CPR?

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is an emergency procedure performed when a pet’s heart stops beating, they stop breathing, or both. The aim is to restore circulation and oxygen delivery to the body’s vital organs.

CPR involves a combination of chest compressions, assisted breathing through a breathing tube, and the administration of emergency medications. In some situations, an electrical shock (defibrillation) may also be required.

When CPR is needed, treatment must begin immediately. While some patients do respond and recover, the likelihood of success generally decreases the longer CPR is required.

When might CPR not be appropriate?

There are some situations where CPR may not be in a pet’s best interests. For example, pets with advanced or end-stage illnesses, advanced heart disease, or conditions causing significant bleeding are often unlikely to recover successfully, even if their heart can be restarted.

In these circumstances, CPR may prolong suffering or worsen an existing condition without improving overall quality of life. If we feel that CPR is unlikely to benefit your pet, we will always discuss this with you openly and compassionately, helping you make the decision that is right for your pet and your family.

What happens after successful CPR?

Successfully restarting a pet’s heart or breathing is often only the first step in treatment. Patients who respond to CPR are usually critically unwell and may require ongoing intensive care and monitoring.

This may include oxygen therapy, medications to support blood pressure and heart function, and in some cases mechanical ventilation (life support). Many pets will need to spend several days in hospital while their condition is assessed and treated.

What is the prognosis for pets that require CPR?

The outcome following CPR depends greatly on the reason it was needed.

Pets whose heart or breathing stops while they are under anaesthesia generally have a better chance of recovery, with up to around 50% surviving to leave hospital. This is because the event is recognised immediately and treatment can begin without delay.

For pets whose heart or breathing stops because of a serious underlying illness or injury, the outlook is unfortunately much poorer. Fewer than 10% of these patients survive to discharge from hospital.

We understand these statistics can be difficult to read. Every patient is an individual, and your veterinary team will always discuss your pet’s specific circumstances and likely outlook with you as openly and honestly as possible.