Emergency & Trauma Care

General Emergency and Trauma Care

A well-organized approach and prepared team can significantly improve pet outcomes in emergencies and trauma situations.

initial assessment

1. Check for responsiveness: Gently shake or call your pet.
2. Breathing and pulse: Check if the pet is breathing and has a pulse. If not, begin CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).

CPR for Pets

1. Airway: Ensure the airway is clear. Remove any obstructions.
2. Breathing: Give rescue breaths (small dogs and cats: cover the nose and mouth; larger dogs: cover only the nose).
3. Circulation: Perform chest compressions.

Control Bleeding

1. Direct pressure: Apply a clean cloth or gauze over the wound and press firmly.
2. Elevate: If possible, elevate the injured area above the heart.
3. Tourniquet: Use as a last resort for severe limb bleeding.

Fractures and Sprains

1. Stabilize: Immobilize the injured area with a splint or padded bandage.
2. Transport carefully: Minimize movement of the injured limb.

Poisoning

1. Identify the toxin: Note any substances the pet may have ingested.
2. Contact a vet or poison control: Immediately seek professional guidance.
3. Induce vomiting: Only if instructed by a veterinarian.

Heatstroke

1. Move to a cool area: Immediately get the pet out of the heat.
2. Cool down: Use cool (not cold) water to lower body temperature gradually.
3. Offer water: Encourage drinking small amounts of cool water.

Seizures

1. Prevent injury: Clear the area of objects that might hurt the pet.
2. Time of the seizure: Note the duration and any triggering factors.
3. Do not restrain: Allow the seizure to run its course, then comfort the pet.

Burns and Scalds

1. Cool the burn: Rinse the area with cool water for at least 10 minutes.
2. Cover the burn: Use a clean, non-stick dressing or cloth.
3. Seek veterinary care: Burns can be severe and need professional treatment.

Choking

1. Mouth sweep: Carefully open the mouth and remove any visible obstruction.
2. Heimlich maneuver: For dogs, compress the abdomen just behind the ribs. For cats, use gentle pressure.

Shock

1. Keep warm: Cover the pet with a blanket.
2. Monitor vitals: Check pulse and breathing regularly.
3. Elevate legs: If there are no fractures, elevate the hind legs slightly.

Trauma (e.g., hit by a car)

1. Limit movement: Minimize handling to prevent further injury.
2. Support injured areas: Use a stretcher or a solid board for transport.
3. Immediate vet care: Trauma can cause internal injuries requiring urgent attention.

Emergency Kit Essentials

• Gauze and bandages
• Adhesive tape
• Antiseptic wipes
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Digital thermometer
• Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting if advised)
• Muzzle (to prevent biting during treatment)
• Emergency contact numbers (vet, animal poison control)

Remember to stay calm and seek professional help as soon as possible.

Here is a list of emergency and trauma cases for pets that should be seen by a veterinary hospital immediately:

Life-Threatening Emergencies

1. Severe trauma: Hit by a car, falling from a height, or any major blunt force injury.
2. Severe bleeding: Uncontrolled bleeding from any part of the body.
3. Difficulty breathing: Any respiratory distress or abnormal breathing patterns.
4. Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness: Sudden collapse, fainting, or coma.
5. Seizures: Continuous seizures or seizures lasting more than 5 minutes.
6. Poisoning or toxin ingestion: Ingesting harmful substances (e.g., antifreeze, rodenticides, toxic plants).
7. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): Swollen abdomen, unproductive retching, and signs of severe pain.
8. Choking: Airway obstruction that is not relieved immediately.

Urgent Medical Conditions

1. Fractures or severe lameness: Any suspected broken bones or inability to walk.
2. Eye injuries: Any trauma or injury to the eye, including foreign objects.
3. Heatstroke: Signs of overheating, excessive panting, drooling, and collapse.
4. Severe vomiting or diarrhea: Especially if accompanied by blood or lasting more than 24 hours.
5. Inability to urinate or defecate: Straining without producing urine or feces, which could indicate a blockage.
6. Persistent coughing or gagging: This could indicate a respiratory or cardiac issue.
7. Allergic reactions: Swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing.
8. Prolapsed organs: Any visible internal organs, such as a prolapsed rectum or uterus.

Serious but Not Immediately Life-Threatening Conditions

1. Wounds and lacerations: Deep cuts or wounds that may require stitches.
2. Burns or scalds: Chemical, thermal, or electrical burns.
3. Swelling or masses: Sudden onset of swelling or growths.
4. Ingestion of foreign objects: Swallowed items that could cause a blockage.
5. Severe pain: Any signs of acute pain, such as whining, limping, or guarding a body part.
6. Neurological symptoms: Disorientation, loss of balance, or changes in behavior.

Reproductive and Neonatal Emergencies

1. Dystocia (difficulty giving birth): Prolonged labor or visible distress during birthing.
2. Neonatal distress: Weak, non-responsive, or struggling newborn puppies or kittens.

Other Conditions Warranting Emergency Care

1. Suspected poisoning or drug overdose: Ingesting medications or substances not meant for pets.
2. Severe allergic reactions: Hives, facial swelling, and anaphylaxis.
3. Sudden collapse or weakness: Sudden onset of lethargy or collapse without a clear cause.
4. Severe dehydration: Persistent vomiting or diarrhea leading to dehydration.
5. Exposure to extreme temperatures: Hypothermia or hyperthermia.

In any of these cases, it is crucial to contact a veterinary hospital immediately and seek professional care to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet.