INJURED ANIMALS:
• Evaluate and decide:
(a) no immediate treatment necessary
(b) treat animal where it is
(c) move animal to another location
(d) humanely destroy the animal
- A veterinarian should be called when:
(a) requested by the owner;
(b) the animal is considered a non-slaughter animal and cannot be transported to facility for treatment;
(c) sedation of the animal is required;
(d) an animal that is unable to walk without assistance must be transported from the accident scene (See Section 8);
(e) the animal should be destroyed (See Section 8).
**** Note: Ensure authority for payment of services rendered is in place.
- If an animal is injured but can move, work slowly and quietly around it. If it has a halter on, be very careful while leading it. Walk slowly and talk calmly. If loose, walk calmly to its side and do not yell or chase it.
- It is strongly recommended that severely injured animals be euthanised in the trailer.
- To keep a horse which is down from struggling, stand at the animal’s spine, place a blanket over its eyes leaving the nostrils exposed and press down lightly on the neck with your knee. If the animal is in an enclosed space, no one should go in to hold the animal down until the space is opened and rescuers can do it safely.
- An animal that needs to be moved for treatment or euthanasia should be moved the shortest distance possible. If dragging is the ONLY means of rescue, a sled must be used. A spinal board or tarp may be an effective sled. Ensure it is strong enough to handle the weight of the animal you intend to move. The calming method previously covered can be used when moving an animal on a sled.
LIVESTOCK INJURY & PAIN ANALYSIS:
Common observations:
- stands away from the other animals
- glazed eyes, staring, drooping head - little interest in surroundings
- reluctance to move, inability to stand or difficulty standing or moving
- standing in rigid position
- pressing head against objects
- lameness, swollen limbs, or joints
- arching backs, up or down
- shivering
- drooping or cold ears
- excessive vocalization
- grunting
- grinding teeth (squeaking sound)
- bones protruding from the body
- open, bleeding wound
Bleeding:
These wounds can be dealt with by applying direct pressure or tourniquets. Open wounds should be kept as clean as possible until a veterinarian can treat them. Internal bleeding can result in severe shock or death.
Signs of internal bleeding are listlessness, unconsciousness, very cold legs or a blue tinge to the pink skin inside the lips or tongue. If the animal is not euthanised, it should be kept warm and still until a veterinarian can attend.
Fractures and Dislocations:
With fractures, the animal may not be able to use the limb, it may move awkwardly, limp severely, or the limb may be pointing in the wrong direction. As a general rule, an open limb fracture (bone sticking out through the skin) in adult livestock warrants euthanasia.
With dislocations (a limb that is out of its normal joint) the injury may result in the loss of use of the limb, a swelling of the joint or the affected area will not move easily and appear to be “locked”. The limb can also look longer or shorter than the corresponding limb on the other side.
If a veterinarian has been called, large animals are best left where they are until the veterinarian arrives. If the animal is able to walk, try to get it to a safe area until it can be attended to. If the animal cannot get up and needs to be euthanised, it will be necessary to destroy it on site.
A fractured spine can be extremely painful. The animal will usually not be able to rise completely, and there may be no movement in the hind legs. With a less severe fracture, an animal may be up and moving normally, or have a “swaying” in its hindquarters. Euthanasia is recommended.
Loss of Consciousness
Loss of consciousness may occur from a skull fracture, a brain hemorrhage, suffocation, drowning, shock or electrical shock. Until the animal can be attended to, make sure it is lying on its side and can breath properly.
Suffocation
Suffocation may result from the piling of animals against the front, rear or sides of a trailer. Rollovers may result in the suffocation of animals on the bottom of the pile-up. Smoke inhalation in a fire will also suffocate an animal – even hours after a “successful” rescue, due to lung damage.
Remove live, mobile animals from the pile up as soon as possible. Some of the animals underneath may recover. As they do, they can be removed. Do not attempt to revive those that do not recover on their own.
Burns
When animals have been exposed to fire or electric shock, they can have burns of varying degrees. Burns cause extreme pain. The greatest immediate danger with burns is shock and, later on, wound infection. After getting the animal to a safe zone and calming it, cold water should be gently poured over the burned area for approximately 10 - 15 minutes.
The burn should then be covered with a clean cloth and a veterinarian should treat the injury immediately. When burns are extensive (covering most of or the entire body) or severe (deep down to bones and muscles), the animal should be humanely destroyed by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
As with humans, do not apply oils, lotions or salves and do not prick blisters, breathe on, cough on or touch the injured area.
Amputation
In the case of an amputation, the animal should be euthanised immediately.
Electric Shock
Electric shock may result in shock, burns, fractures or death.
Drowning
Most animals can swim if uninjured. Animals in such situations will panic and should be assisted when a handler can safely do so.
DECISION ABOUT RE-LOADING INJURED OR COMPROMISED ANIMALS:
Any animal that is unable to stand up on all of its legs by itself is not fit for transport and should be humanely destroyed. In the case of slaughter animals, it is doubtful if such an animal will pass for human consumption.
Its carcass will likely be partially or fully condemned at the meat plant. There is nothing to be gained by re-loading and transporting such an animal.
In the case of other animals, such as horses used for pleasure and competition or valuable purebred animals, the owners may strongly disagree with a decision to euthanise the animal. They might be willing to have the animal treated by a licensed veterinarian.
Loading and transport of a non-ambulatory animal to the nearest suitable place where additional care can be provided requires a veterinarian recommendation. This will largely depend whether the animal has been properly cared for at the scene (for example, bandages applied to injured limbs, medication against pain, sedation, etc.) and is now being transported to a veterinary clinic.
Note: At all times the comfort and safety of the animal must be considered. At the same time, do not disregard your own safety or the safety of other personnel at the scene!
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