ABSTRACT

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION Examination of the orthopedic trauma patient can be divided into three phases. As with all trauma victims, triage of all of the injuries is very important. At the time of first presentation evaluation of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems should receive priority, in order to identify potentially life-threatening injuries. Orthopedic injuries are not immediately lifethreatening, whereas mortality due to thoracic trauma or peritoneal hemorrhage in traumatized cats is not uncommon.