Traumatic injuries are among the most common emergencies encountered by companion and working animals. Assistance animals may sustain injuries through motor vehicle accidents, dog attacks, falls, sharp objects, burns, crush injuries or other environmental hazards encountered during daily activities. Even seemingly minor injuries can result in significant pain, infection or internal damage, making prompt assessment and appropriate veterinary care essential.

As with the previous sections, learners undertaking this credential have already completed an accredited Animal First Aid course and demonstrated competency in the practical management of traumatic injuries, wound care and haemorrhage control. This section does not repeat those practical procedures. Instead, it focuses on recognising traumatic injuries, understanding their potential consequences for assistance animal teams, reinforcing appropriate first aid principles within the occupational therapist’s scope of practice and emphasising the importance of timely veterinary assessment.

Recognising Traumatic Injuries

Trauma may involve external injuries that are immediately visible or internal injuries that are far less obvious. Animals involved in significant trauma may initially appear relatively stable before deteriorating rapidly due to internal bleeding, organ damage or shock.

Occupational therapists should therefore consider the mechanism of injury as well as the animal’s clinical presentation. High-impact incidents, including road traffic accidents, falls from height or attacks by other animals, should always be regarded as potentially serious regardless of the apparent severity of external wounds.

Behavioural changes may also indicate significant trauma. An assistance animal that becomes reluctant to move, vocalises unexpectedly, adopts an abnormal posture or refuses to perform familiar tasks following an incident should receive prompt veterinary assessment.

Wounds

Wounds vary considerably in severity and may include abrasions, lacerations, puncture wounds, avulsions and penetrating injuries. Although some superficial wounds may appear minor, deeper tissue damage, contamination or underlying structural injury may not be immediately apparent.

Puncture wounds deserve particular attention because they often appear small externally while extending deeply into underlying tissues. Bite wounds are especially concerning due to the high risk of bacterial contamination and tissue damage beneath the skin.

Burns, whether caused by heat, chemicals or electricity, also require prompt veterinary assessment because tissue damage often extends beyond the visible injury.

Occupational therapists should recognise that all wounds carry a risk of infection and that delayed treatment may compromise healing and, in severe cases, an assistance animal’s long-term working ability.

Bleeding

External bleeding is often immediately recognisable; however, the volume of blood lost may not accurately reflect the severity of injury. Conversely, internal bleeding may occur without obvious external signs and represents a significant medical emergency.

Clinical indicators of significant blood loss may include weakness, pale gums, rapid breathing, collapse, reduced responsiveness or signs of shock. Animals displaying these signs require urgent veterinary treatment.

The practical techniques for controlling haemorrhage were covered during the prerequisite Animal First Aid course. Occupational therapists should apply those evidence-based techniques within the limits of their training while arranging immediate veterinary care.

Fractures and Orthopaedic Trauma

Fractures may involve complete or partial breaks in bones and frequently occur following significant trauma. Injuries may also involve joint dislocations, ligament rupture or severe soft tissue damage.

Animals with suspected fractures often demonstrate non-weight-bearing lameness, visible limb deformity, swelling, pain or reluctance to move. However, not all fractures produce obvious deformity, particularly in the early stages.

Improper handling may worsen fractures or cause additional injury. Occupational therapists should therefore minimise unnecessary movement and follow the stabilisation principles learned during their accredited first aid training while arranging prompt veterinary assessment.

Spinal Trauma

Spinal injuries should always be treated as veterinary emergencies.

Animals experiencing spinal trauma may demonstrate severe pain, weakness, incoordination, paralysis or loss of bladder and bowel control. Even when neurological deficits appear mild, movement may exacerbate spinal cord injury.

Whenever spinal injury is suspected, unnecessary movement should be minimised and transport should occur as safely as possible using the principles taught within accredited first aid training.

Because spinal injuries may permanently affect mobility and working capacity, early veterinary intervention is critical.

Shock Following Trauma

Shock is a life-threatening condition in which the body’s tissues do not receive adequate oxygen and blood supply. It commonly develops following severe trauma, blood loss, burns, allergic reactions or overwhelming infection.

Animals experiencing shock may appear weak, quiet, anxious or collapsed. Pale gums, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, cool extremities and altered consciousness are common indicators.

Shock can develop even when external injuries appear relatively minor. Occupational therapists should therefore remain alert to changes in an animal’s overall condition following any significant traumatic event and ensure urgent veterinary assessment.

Pain and Behaviour Following Trauma

Pain may significantly alter an animal’s behaviour. Even highly social and reliable assistance animals may become fearful, withdrawn or defensive following injury.

Animals experiencing severe pain may resist handling, vocalise unexpectedly or attempt to bite when touched near injured areas. These behavioural responses are protective rather than signs of aggression.

Occupational therapists should approach injured animals calmly, avoid unnecessary restraint and recognise that pain management is a veterinary responsibility. Supporting safe handling while minimising additional stress remains an important aspect of emergency management.

Psychological Impact on the Handler

Traumatic injuries involving an assistance animal frequently have consequences extending beyond the immediate medical emergency. Handlers may experience intense anxiety, grief or guilt while simultaneously losing access to essential disability-related support.

Occupational therapists should provide reassurance, communicate clearly and assist the handler to implement previously developed contingency plans where appropriate. This may include arranging alternative mobility strategies, contacting support persons or modifying planned activities while the animal receives treatment.

Following serious injuries, therapists may also assist with planning graded return to work, temporary task modification or, in some cases, discussions regarding long-term retirement if recommended by the veterinary team.

Documentation and Follow-up

Significant traumatic injuries should be documented in accordance with organisational policies and professional standards.

Documentation should include the circumstances of the incident, observations made, first aid provided within scope of practice, referrals undertaken and any recommendations regarding temporary cessation or modification of assistance work pending veterinary clearance.

Follow-up appointments provide opportunities to review recovery, monitor functional performance and collaborate with veterinarians, rehabilitation professionals and trainers to support safe return to work where appropriate.

Occupational Therapy Considerations

Traumatic injuries can have profound consequences for both members of an assistance animal partnership. Beyond the immediate medical emergency, injury may temporarily or permanently affect the animal’s ability to perform trained tasks, disrupting the handler’s independence, participation and daily routines.

Occupational therapists should focus on recognising traumatic injuries, implementing basic first aid within the limits of their accredited training, protecting the safety of both the animal and the handler and facilitating timely veterinary assessment. During recovery, therapists play an important role in adapting occupations, supporting contingency planning and collaborating with veterinarians, rehabilitation professionals and trainers to promote safe, ethical and welfare-focused return to work decisions. Through this holistic approach, occupational therapists help maintain both the wellbeing of the assistance animal and the occupational participation of the handler.