Secondary Survey of Small Animal Emergency Patients

Methodology: Systematic approach working from head to tail.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Auscultation: Detailed check of heart and lungs for abnormalities.

• Palpation: Abdominal, rectal, and joint palpation for pain or enlargements.

• Specialized Exams: Complete neurologic and orthopedic evaluations when warranted.

Symptom-Specific Evaluation:

• Acute Abdominal Pain: Localizing pain and auscultating for bowel sounds to narrow down the affected system (e.g., GI, urinary, reproductive).

• Fever of Unknown Origin: Focused examination of the peritoneal cavity and the respiratory, cardiovascular, and urinary systems.

Initial Minimum Database: Includes PCV (packed cell volume), total solids (TS), glucose, and BUN.

General Diagnostics:

• Urinalysis (ideally collected before fluid administration).

• CBC, serum chemistry panel, and electrolyte panel.

• Venous or arterial blood gas.

Coagulation Testing: (If surgery is anticipated or disorders suspected)

• Blood smears for platelet estimates and buccal bleeding time.

• Clotting profiles (ACT, PT, aPTT) and Thromboelastography to identify hypercoagulation risks.

Lactate Monitoring:

• Indicates anaerobic metabolism and poor oxygen delivery.

• Normal Values: < 2 mmol/L in dogs and cats.

• Resuscitation Endpoint: Used to track treatment success; levels should normalize with improved tissue perfusion.

Animal Trauma Triage (ATT) Score: Used for overall prognostic information.

Modified Glasgow Coma Scale: Essential monitoring tool for patients with neurologic injury.

Composite Glasgow Pain Scale: Used to objectively identify the need for analgesia.