Triage & Trauma

Some clinicians thrive on the adrenaline rush of working an emergency case, while others might dread the thought. Whichever part of the spectrum you might fall on, however, emergency presentations are inevitable and being prepared is key. This resource presents some of these scenarios and offers insights on how to best manage them.

Dog with peripheral IV line in place lying in ventral recumbency on an exam table.

The physical examination is an important diagnostic tool when assessing patients for distributive shock. Rapidly identify key features of this life-threatening syndrome.

Left lateral abdominal radiograph of a dog.

From causes and clinical clues to fluid selection and resuscitation end points, this expert guide walks you through the recognition and management of hypovolemic shock in cats and dogs.

A Great Dane resting outside on the grass.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) most commonly affects large dogs, with mortality rates ranging from 10% to 33%. Confirm how to diagnose, treat, and prevent GDV.

A white dog sitting outside on green grass.

A puppy was presented for collapse after chewing on an electric cord. Follow this case to learn the effects of electrocution and how to determine a treatment plan.

Person restraining dog on an exam table while second person presses plunger of syringe going into cephalic vein catheter.

Rapid evaluation and damage control resuscitation are essential for maximizing the likelihood of survival in vehicular trauma patients. Implement these guidelines in your hit-by-car stabilization protocol to help more patients successfully reach referral to a tertiary facility.

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Clinician's Brief Podcast

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These critical “surprises” can really throw a day off. Dr. Boatright shares her practical approach to handling emergency cases, even when you’ve got a smaller team and a fuller schedule.

Two women are engaged in a virtual meeting, smiling and looking at the camera. One woman has long blonde hair and is wearing a pink top, while the other has long brown hair, glasses, and is wearing a headset, set against neutral backgrounds.

Dr. Musulin details how and when—or when not—to autotransfuse and shares several expert tips and a few pitfalls to avoid.

Alyssa Watson, DVM, and Jake Wolf, DVM, DACVECC.

Dr. Wolf, one of the authors for the 2024 RECOVER guidelines update, reviews the important changes covered in the update, including compressions, capnography, and epinephrine dosing. He also shares how we can all implement them in practice.

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See how Plumb's can answer your treatment FAQs for Osteoarthritis.

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Continuing Education

Earn CE credit with these free courses.

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In this webinar, Dr. Elizabeth Rozanski will review how to investigate and treat endocrine emergencies, with a particular focus on diabetic ketoacidosis and concurrent pancreatitis, hypoadrenocorticism, and thyroid and calcium abnormalities.

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Join Dr. Philippa Pavia in this dynamic webinar tailored specifically for emergency veterinarians and general practitioners who are not just performing surgery but also on the first line of defense in triage and initial evaluations.

A veterinary professional holding a multicolored cat.

Treatment of DKA in cats typically involves intermittent boluses or CRI of regular insulin, but this alternative protocol may lead to faster clinical improvement.

An orange cat with green-blue eyes looking to the side.

Prolonged urethral obstruction in cats can lead to postrenal azotemia and other complications. Discover what this study found when evaluating decompressive cystocentesis as a means to facilitate urethral catheterization.

A gloved hand reaching for a surgical tool.

Surgical removal of intestinal foreign bodies has inherent risks. Compare the risks of enterotomy and intestinal resection and anastomosis, and learn what to look for in patients undergoing these procedures.

Dog resting with an Elizabethan collar around its neck.

Given the lack of canine-specific tests for marijuana exposure, many clinicians use a human version, but are the results reliable? Researchers examined urine and serum samples of 19 dogs with suspected or confirmed marijuana toxicosis to find the answer.

A brown dog lies on a veterinary examination table with a bandage on its nose and a breathing tube in its mouth, appearing calm despite the clinical setting. The background is softly blurred, emphasizing the dog's face and the medical equipment nearby.

Corticosteroids have an important place in emergency medicine. Here are 5 conditions that require steroids, stat.

A dog lying on a table with gloved hands resting on their body.

Emergencies can be intimidating for primary care veterinary teams, but a systematic approach, proactive communication, and asking for help when you need it can make emergency stabilization less stressful and more rewarding. 

Ultrasound image of jejunum showing signs of inflammatory bowel disease.

Review the clinical application of abdominal ultrasonography in diagnosing gastrointestinal foreign bodies and resultant obstructive patterns.

Right lateral abdominal radiograph of a canine patient with a possible intestinal obstruction.

Abdominal radiography can be an excellent screening tool to diagnose foreign body obstructions.