Primary survey

Injuries Interfering with Vital Physiological Functions

**ABCDE's of the Primary Survey**
Airway and Arterial Bleeding	Is the patient having difficulty breathing? Are there mandibular fractures interfering with the airway? Has a bite wound disrupted the larynx or trachea? Is subcutaneous emphysema present? Is there evidence of arterial hemorrhage?
Breathing	Is the patient in respiratory distress? What is the color of the mucous membranes? Does the respiratory distress worsen with positional changes? Is there evidence of thoracic penetration or a flail chest? Are the peripheral veins distended?
Circulation	Is there evidence of hemorrhage? Is there an extremity fracture? How much swelling is present? Are the mucous membranes pale and tacky? Are the femoral pulses weak and rapid? Does the heart rate match the pulse rate? Are the extremities cold? Is the capillary refill time prolonged? Is the pulse pressure weak? Is the animal anemic or excessively hemodiluted?
Disability	Is there evidence of a neurological injury? What is the motor posture of the animal? Is the animal bright, alert and responsive? Does the animal respond to painful stimuli? Are the pupils dilated, constricted, of equal size, and responsive to light? Is there an extremity fracture that might threaten a peripheral nerve?
Examination	Are there lacerations? Is there bruising and is the bruising getting worse? Are there multiple fractures? Is the abdomen painful? Is there evidence of debilitation or concurrent disease?

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