PetPace, the provider of an innovative IoT collar for remote real-time monitoring and analysis of pet vital signs and activity, today released the findings of a new medical case study. The case study on canine hyperthermia, available for download here, documents in detail how the PetPace collar detected acute heat stroke (hyperthermia) in a dog, and can potentially facilitate lifesaving intervention in similar cases.

Luka snuggling with a furry friend after the PetPace collar assisted in saving her life.

Luka, a 6-year-old female Golden Retriever, wandered out of her fenced yard and was picked up by animal control. The animal control officer kept Luka inside a non-ventilated part of the car for almost four hours. When finally brought to the dog pound, she was weak, unable to stand, barely responsive and dyspneic (breathing with difficulty). Rushed to a nearby emergency center, Luka was diagnosed with heat stroke and vasodilatory shock.

Heat stroke, also called hyperthermia, is a condition wherein extremely high body temperature leads to multiple organ failures, collapse and possible death. Abnormally high body temperatures develop when the body cannot rid itself of heat efficiently, such as in a closed car on a hot day.

Luka was hospitalized in the ICU for two days and received lifesaving treatment. She eventually made a gradual but full recovery.

Luka's daily temperature graph during heat stroke. The purple line in the green zone indicates normal body temperature, and in the red zone, hyperthermia.

Luka was wearing a PetPace smart collar at the time she suffered hyperthermia. The collar closely followed the rise in temperature and accurately detected the heat stroke event. The graph to the right shows the gradual rise in temperature until it crosses into the red zone, signifying hyperthermia. Later, following the application of cooling measures and medical treatment, a sharp drop in her temperature back to the normal range can be seen.

A close-up view of the temperature graph showing the heatstroke event. Hyperthermia is indicated by the purple line crossing into the red zone.

Dr. Asaf Dagan, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Canine and Feline practice), and PetPace’s Chief Veterinarian, noted, The PetPace collar can closely follow and detect in real time the development of heat stroke with its patented thermoregulation assessment algorithm. This capability is groundbreaking and can save lives.

Dr. Zeev Gans, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Canine and Feline practice), Owner and Medical Director of Knowledge Farm Emergency Center in Israel, who treated Luka, added, Heat stroke is, unfortunately, a common medical emergency in dogs. Timely detection and intervention is crucial for a good outcome. Therefore, automatic, real-time, remote detection of developing heat stroke is a great addition to pet preventative care.