Management of fracture-associated thoracic trauma

Animals with thoracic injury that survive long enough to receive veterinary attention are often through the most critical post-traumatic period. A small proportion will require prompt, aggressive treatment of life-threatening injuries. Many have self-limiting thoracic injuries that can endanger the animal if overlooked when general anaesthesia is attempted for surgical repair of more obvious injuries. Other lesions can be exacerbated by inappropriate therapy. Through evaluation is needed for recognition and proper management of thoracic injuries that pose both immediate and delayed threat to life.