Environmental and traumatic emergencies

Road traffic trauma (polytrauma)

Emergency

Also known as: Hit by vehicle; RTA; Polytrauma

EMERGENCY. This condition can be life-threatening. Take your dog to a veterinarian immediately. See the Emergency & first aid chapter for triage.

Overview

A leading cause of death and serious injury in free-roaming and community dogs, and a constant risk to owned dogs walked off-lead near traffic. The visible wound is rarely the problem: the killers are internal haemorrhage, a ruptured bladder, a diaphragmatic tear, chest bruising, and shock, all of which can be present in a dog that gets up and walks away. Every dog hit by a vehicle needs veterinary assessment even if it looks unharmed, and should be reassessed over the following 24–48 hours. Move the dog as a single unit on a board or blanket without twisting the spine, muzzle only if breathing is unobstructed (a frightened, painful dog will bite the person it loves), control obvious bleeding with direct pressure, and keep it warm and quiet in transit. Do not offer food or water. Prevention is unglamorous and effective: a lead on every road walk, a secured gate, and a collar with an identity tag.

What you would notice

  • Obvious wounds, abrasions, or an abnormally angled limb
  • Pale or white gums, fast breathing, weak pulse (shock)
  • Reluctance or inability to stand; dragging the hind limbs
  • Distended or painful abdomen
  • Blood at the nose, mouth, or in the urine
  • Apparent normality — internal bleeding and bladder rupture can be silent at first
Non-prescriptive. This entry deliberately does NOT name specific drugs, doses, routes, or durations. Treatment decisions rest with a licensed veterinarian who has examined your dog and considered its history.
Draft — vet review pending. This entry has not yet been signed off by a registered veterinarian.

Sources

  • Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com)
  • MSD Veterinary Manual (msdvetmanual.com)
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