Assessment and management of the hemorrhaging patient

Trauma patients presenting to the veterinarian on an emergency basis commonly have bleeding injuries. Although mild hemorrhage is often self-limiting, severe hemorrhage may be lethal if not surgically controlled. Management of these patients requires rapid assessment and diagnostics so that appropriate treatment is provided in a timely manner. This article describes care of the hemorrhaging patient including assessment, immediate resuscitation, and principles of controlling the hemorrhage. External and surgical methods of treating hemorrhage are discussed, with a concentration on the surgical management of the hemorrhaging patient.