Management of Thoracic Trauma in the Dog and Cat*

Management of Thoracic Trauma in the Dog and Cat

Thoracic trauma in the dog and cat may be the consequence of blunt or penetrating injury. Trauma of this nature is most likely to result in emergency presentation of the patient in order for thorough assessment and stabilisation to be performed. Definitive management may be indicated at the time of initial presentation, or after a period of patient stabilisation in the systemically compromised patient. This article will review the specific types of thoracic injury that may be encountered, the assessment and stabilisation of the patient and finally, the definitive management of specific injuries.