Trama Flashcards
Trauma is an injury caused by
The animal striking or being struck by an object
The animal being bit or scratched by another animal
Environmental, chemical, or thermal insults to the animal
Trauma patients often require:
Suction equipment Intravenous fluids Radiographs or ultrasound studies Hematology, blood chemistry, blood gas analysis Surgical intervention Warming devices
Phone consultation with pet owner at accident scene
Be sure that is safe to retrieve pet
Watch for vehicles, broken glass, spilled chemicals
Avoid direct contact with blood of unknown origin
Apply direct pressure to open wounds with clothing/towels
Application of a muzzle may be necessary for safety reasons
Minimize movement of patient
Patient should be transported to hospital on a flat board or a box
Patient Assessment
Triage examination should be performed on arrival to the hospital to determine urgency of animal’s condition
The primary examination of the trauma patient should follow the mnemonic ABC
Life-threatening conditions are treated immediately when identified
Airway
Check for a patent airway
Clinical signs of airway obstruction
Possible causes of obstructed airway
Treatment of obstructed airway
Clinical signs of airway obstruction
Lack of breath,
dyspnea,
cyanosis
Possible causes of obstructed airway
Upper respiratory tract/oral cavity inflammation,
FB,
blood and mucus accumulation
Treatment of obstructed airway
Remove fluids or FB,
place ET tube,
perform tracheotomy
Breathing
Assess character of respiration
Check oral mm’s
Auscultate lungs
Clinical signs of breathing abnormalities
Possible causes of breathing difficulty
Clinical signs of breathing abnormalities
Cyanosis,
dyspnea
Possible causes of breathing difficulty
Pneumothorax,
hemothorax,
diaphragmatic hernia,
fractured ribs (flail chest)
Circulation
Check oral mm’s
Auscultate heart rate
Palpate pulse
Clinical signs of cardiovascular abnormalities
Possible causes of cardiovascular abnormalities
Treatment of cardiovascular abnormalities
Clinical signs of cardiovascular abnormalities
Tachycardia, arrhythmia, weak pulse, pale mm’s, prolonged CRT, cold extremities
Possible causes of cardiovascular abnormalities
Hemorrhage, cardiac contusions
Treatment of cardiovascular abnormalities
Stop hemorrhage (pressure bandage, clamps/ligatures, tourniquets), IV fluids (treatment for hypovolemic shock)
Dysfunction of central nervous system
Dysfunction of central nervous system
Check animal’s awareness, responsiveness, attitude
Look for obvious neurological problems
Clinical signs of neurological abnormalities
Possible causes:CNS tissue injury
Treatment: Mannitol, glucocorticoids, immobilize animal on flat board
Clinical signs of neurological abnormalities
Depression, seizures, unconsciousness, abnormal pupil size, abnormal PLR, abnormal posture (recumbency, hyperextension of limbs/back, paralysis)
After initial assessment is completed baseline diagnostic tests may be ordered
Blood pressure
ECG tracing
PCV/TS, BUN and glucose assays (blood gases, electrolytes)
After initial stabilization additional diagnostic tests may be performed
Radiographs/Ultrasound
Complete CBC and blood chemistry panel, electrolytes, blood gases, coagulation tests
Treatment of non-life-threatening injuries occurs when trauma patient fully stabilized
After initial assessment and treatment is completed, additional procedures resuscitative procedures may be implemented as a second more complete physical examination of all organ systems is performed
Oxygen supplementation Control of hemorrhage IV fluid administration Application of bandages and splints Administration of analgesics
