Deputy uses Narcan to save puppy from overdose

Posted 9/22/20

Dr. Jay Stinson of Northlake Veterinary Hospital had a small puppy come in early Monday morning for an emergency visit. The pup was found chewing on an old Fentanyl patch.

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Deputy uses Narcan to save puppy from overdose

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OKEECHOBEE — Narcan has been labeled a miracle drug by many and has saved numerous human lives in cities around Florida, but for one small puppy in Okeechobee, it was truly the only thing between life and death. Dr. Jay Stinson of Northlake Veterinary Hospital had a small puppy come in early Monday morning for an emergency visit. The pup was found chewing on an old Fentanyl patch. He was barely breathing and almost comatose. Dr. Stinson’s team started an IV catheter and put the puppy on oxygen.

Their next step was to call the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office and speak to Sheriff Noel E. Stephen, who immediately sent Deputy Karson Reno with Narcan to the clinic. They administered the Narcan and, within 30 seconds, the puppy went from comatose to up and wagging his tail. “Definitely a first for me. Pretty amazing how fast the puppy responded,” said Dr. Stinson.

Sheriff Stephen said he was happy Dr. Stinson thought to call him. This was the first time they have ever had to revive a non-human animal of any kind, and they were very relieved to see how well it worked.

Deputy Reno is fairly new to the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office. He grew up in Okeechobee and joined the force soon after he graduated from high school. He said this was not the type of call he expected when he became a deputy, but he was really glad to have been a part of helping that dog. When he got the call from Sheriff Stephen, he was only about a mile from Dr. Stinson’s office, and he was able to get there within minutes.

Deputy Reno said the owner was there and, obviously, distraught. Dr. Stinson said he was going to attempt to administer half of the nasal spray rather than the full dosage, because the puppy was so small, but as soon as he started spraying, the whole dose came out. It did not matter at all, though. “The puppy went from almost dead to up and wagging his tail like nothing ever happened,” he said. “It was wonderful to see.”

“We don’t always get to see the happy endings,” said Sheriff Stephen. “I’m glad this was one of the happy ones.”

According to Northlake Veterinary Hospital, there was no animal abuse involved, and the puppy has a wonderful, loving home.

Last year, drug overdoses killed 71,148 people in the United States, which is a record high, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even just accidental contact with Fentanyl powder can be deadly and has been seen in first responders and in the public. The vast majority of overdoses are happening in public bathrooms and in cars in parking lots. Anyone coming into contact with the powder could be in danger of cardiac arrest and would need Narcan.

“The public needs to be aware that it is not possible to tell if a product contains Fentanyl,” he said.

Fentanyl is a synthetic (man-made) opioid prescribed in the form of transdermal patches, tablets, lozenges or nasal sprays. It can also be made illegally and is often mixed with other drugs, such as cocaine or heroin. Narcan can be purchased at any drugstore and kept in case of accidental contact with Fentanyl.

Dr. Jay Stinson, puppy, Fentanyl, overdose

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