Trauma is one of the most urgent situations our emergency medicine team sees at BluePearl Midvale. Whether your pet was hit by a car, fell from a height, or was bitten by another animal, the faster you seek care, the better the outcome. Here's what to expect when your pet arrives with an injury.

A small brown and white canine patient wearing a bright pink cast stands on the floor of the hospital.

Common trauma scenarios we treat.

Our emergency team regularly handles:

  • Pets hit by vehicles
  • Falls from decks, windows, or stairs
  • Dog fights or wildlife encounters
  • Crush injuries or blunt force trauma
  • Lacerations, deep punctures, or open wounds
  • Fractures or limping after an unknown event

Even if your pet looks okay on the outside, internal injuries or shock may still be present.

Symptoms to watch for after an injury.

Bring your pet in right away if they show:

  • Limping, favoring a leg, or inability to stand
  • Bleeding, swelling, or exposed tissue
  • Shallow or rapid breathing
  • Pale gums or signs of shock
  • Crying, shaking, or hiding behavior
  • Difficulty walking, standing, or using stairs

What happens when you arrive?

Our staff immediately assesses your pet’s condition. If they’re critical, treatment starts right away. Depending on the injury, we may perform:

  • IV fluids and pain management
  • X-rays or ultrasound to assess damage
  • Bloodwork to check for internal bleeding
  • Wound cleaning and bandaging
  • Emergency surgery, if needed

We communicate clearly throughout the process and explain the next steps.

Aftercare and follow-up.

Some injuries may require hospitalization. Others can be treated and discharged with a care plan. We coordinate closely with your family veterinarian to ensure seamless recovery.

An Associate smiles and laughs while holding a canine patient who is being examined.

Understanding trauma in pets in Midvale – FAQ.

At BluePearl Midvale, our emergency medicine team frequently handles various trauma scenarios, including pets hit by vehicles, falls from heights such as decks, windows, or stairs, dog fights or encounters with wildlife, crush injuries or blunt force trauma, lacerations, deep punctures, or open wounds, and fractures or limping after an unknown event. It's important to remember that even if your pet appears fine externally, they may still have internal injuries or be in shock.

If your pet has sustained an injury, you should bring them in immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms: limping, favoring a leg, or inability to stand; bleeding, swelling, or exposed tissue; shallow or rapid breathing; pale gums or signs of shock; crying, shaking, or hiding behavior; and difficulty walking, standing, or using stairs. These signs can indicate serious underlying issues that require urgent care.

Upon your arrival, our staff will immediately assess your pet’s condition through a process known as triage. If your pet is critical, treatment will begin right away. Depending on the nature of the injury, we may administer IV fluids and pain management, perform x-rays or ultrasounds to evaluate damage, conduct bloodwork to check for internal bleeding, clean and bandage wounds, or perform emergency surgery if necessary. We prioritize clear communication throughout the process, ensuring you understand all next steps.

After your pet's initial treatment, some injuries may require hospitalization for closer monitoring and care, while others can be treated and discharged with a detailed care plan. We work closely with your family veterinarian to ensure a seamless recovery process, providing updates and coordinating follow-up care as needed.

Trauma is a critical situation that can lead to severe complications if not addressed promptly. The faster you seek care, the better the outcome for your pet. Early intervention can significantly improve your pet's chances of recovery and help prevent further injury or complications.

At BluePearl Midvale, our emergency medicine team is dedicated to providing expert care for pets experiencing trauma. We are equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and a compassionate staff ready to respond to urgent situations. Our commitment to clear communication and collaboration with your primary veterinarian ensures that your pet receives the best possible care throughout their treatment and recovery.

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