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In this episode, host Alyssa Watson, DVM, welcomes Claire Tucker, DVM, MPH, PhD, DACVECC, and Kelly Hall, DVM, MS, DACVECC, to discuss their recent Clinician’s Brief article, “Projectile Injury in Dogs.” Dr. Tucker and Dr. Hall lay out their ideal systematic approach for dogs with projectile injuries and share some particulars for recognizing and handling these types of wounds. They also emphasize the importance of client communication for sudden, life-threatening problems and share key tips on how to do it effectively.
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Key Takeaways
Projectile injuries, like all trauma cases, should follow a systematic approach that begins with the primary survey, an exam checklist to identify and address imminent threats to life.
X (exsanguination), A (airway), B (breathing), C (circulation), D (disability), E (environment or exposures)
Next comes the secondary survey, which is your full physical examination, responses to initial interventions, and any diagnostic findings up to that point.
Clues for projectile injuries can be wounds with clean, sharp margins or spots of matted fur or blood with no obvious wound, and if there’s an embedded or exposed projectile (e.g., arrow) that has to come out, leave it in until you’re ready to deal with the consequences of taking out.
The tertiary survey is making a plan for every traumatic injury you’ve found, and disposition is how things conclude for that patient: admission, euthanasia, transfer, or treat and discharge to home.
Communicate with clients early and often; be calm and neutral but be direct; focus on the health issues, not the situation; be mindful of abuse; and consider the STOP5 framework to debrief with your staff.
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The Team:
Alyssa Watson, DVM - Host
Alexis Ussery - Producer & Multimedia Specialist