Your Dog Was Hit by a Car
Your dog has just been hit by a car, is acting oddly, and one of her back legs looks hurt. What happens next?
You need to stay calm, both for your sake and for your dogs. Being hit by a massive hunk of metal is hard. Dogs hit by a car often die before they even make it to their ride or before they reach the veterinary hospital. So, if your dog is still alive after being hit by a car (and is able to make it to the clinic alive) there is a good chance she will make it.
What Are the Symptoms of Internal Bleeding and Shock in Dogs After Being Hit by a Car?
Your vet will lift up the lip of your dog and check the capillary refill time. That is the amount of time it takes for the blood to rush back into the tissue after it has been depressed for about a second. Normally, the color will return in a second or less.
The lungs will also be auscultated (listened to with a stethoscope) at this time to check for sounds of trauma and fluid.
If your dog is showing any symptoms of shock or internal bleeding, she will be catheterized (usually in the front leg), and fluids will be pumped into her rapidly. Sometimes this happens with the aid of a pump, sometimes the vet or an assistant will grab the bag and squeeze it to make the fluids go in as quickly as possible.
She will also be given an injection that will help many of her fluids return to the vessels. The fluids will stabilize her and there will be time to diagnose the other injuries. She may need x-rays to check her lungs for injuries, x-rays of the long bones she has injured to check for fractures, or maybe blood work to make sure her red blood cell level is stabilizing.
After your dog is stabilized with fluids and all diagnostics are finished, she can be put in a cage with a heating pad and perhaps with warm bags of fluid packed around her.
Provide your dog with a comfortable area to rest when she comes home after surgery.
cc-by http://www.flickr.com/photos/axsdeny/5757733115/
If your dog has serious soft tissue damage, like a degloving wound (where the skin is peeled off and the flesh is exposed), it will be fixed as soon as she is no longer in danger of going in to shock.
A broken leg will not be fixed until your dog is totally stable. If it is a simple fracture she may be able to get by with a cast. More serious fractures may require a pin, a plate, or even an external fixation device.
Do not be surprised if she is referred to a specialist for these procedures. Remember that the fracture is not an emergency, and if it is not repaired properly she may lose her leg, or the ability to walk.
Use a Makeshift Muzzle or Blanket to Prevent Bites
Even the most placid dog can lash out unexpectedly if they are in extreme pain or fear. The last thing you want is to get bitten, especially since this could impede your efforts to help the dog. As long as it wont cause any obstruction to their breathing, it may be a good idea to fashion a makeshift muzzle out of gauze or fabric. Be mindful of the duration of time the muzzle is on, because being unable to pant can be stressful for dogs. Alternatively, you can place a blanket or towel over your dogs head and body while you are moving them, again being careful not to impede their breathing.
What to do when your dog gets hit by a car!
Despite our best efforts to keep our pets safe, sometimes the unthinkable happens. Here are the steps you should take to help your dog if they ever get injured in a road traffic accident or collision. If your dog is hit by a car, stay calm. If you can do so safely, move your dog off the street. Then call the nearest veterinary service and follow the veterinarian’s advice. Keep reading to learn more.