Traumatic injuries in cats and dogs commonly occur from road traffic accidents (RTA’s) and dog bite wounds. Often these pets can have multiple injuries that need concurrent management and, in some cases, will require prolonged hospitalisation.
Initial Stabilisation
Following a traumatic injury, many pets can develop shock. This can be corrected by administration of
intravenous fluid therapy in most cases, in addition to pain relief. In severe trauma cases with bleeding, blood
products and other medications may needed. Anti-nausea medication, other drugs, bandaging and wound
management may be required in addition. A point of care ultrasound of the chest and abdomen is often
performed on presentation to identify for any life-threatening injuries such as a pneumothorax (air leak from the
lungs into the chest cavity), haemothorax (bleeding into the chest), haemoabdomen (bleeding into the abdomen)
or uroabdomen (urine leakage into the abdomen following urinary tract trauma). Once these have been identified
or ruled out as concerns and your pet becomes more stable, further diagnostic testing can be performed.
Diagnostic Testing
The following tests may be recommended depending on the case:
• Bloodwork – assessing blood cells, electrolytes and organ function, blood type
• Point of care imaging (brief emergency ultrasound of chest and abdomen)
• Thoracic and abdominal imaging (e.g. x-rays, CT, abdominal ultrasound)
• Lower urinary contrast study (to identify damage to the urogenital tract)
• Sampling of fluid from a body cavity
Treatment
Treatment can include intravenous fluid therapy, pain relief, blood products, anti-nausea medication, gut motility
drugs and medication to prevent rapid breakdown of blood clots. Definitive treatment may include (but is not
limited to) surgical repair of a bleeding organ, broken bones or damage to a urinary tract, placement of a urinary
catheter, oxygen therapy, drainage of fluid or air from a body cavity and wound management.
Prognosis
Most pets recover well and can go home once their injuries have been treated. However, in more severe cases—
especially when multiple body systems are affected—the outlook may be more guarded. Our clinicians will
discuss your pet’s specific prognosis with you throughout their stay.
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