Many pets enjoy riding in cars with their owners. Dogs, especially, love to look out the car window and feel the wind in their faces. No matter how enjoyable it is for your furry animals, they can sustain injuries if they were to get into a car accident with you. There are a few injuries that would require emergency vet care. At Dove Mountain Veterinary in Marana, AZ, we offer state-of-the-art medical care for pets who have been in an auto accident.

Muscle Sprain

Muscle sprains are common in low-impact car accidents. A sprain may not seem too serious, however, without the appropriate medical treatment, sprains can result in lameness and reduced mobility in the joints. The symptoms of a muscle sprain include limping, the inability to move the affected limb, and swelling. Fortunately, sprains can be easily treated by splinting the joint and with anti-inflammatory medications. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged muscle.

Bone Fractures

Broken bones can occur even if your pets are restrained. Most bone fractures can be treated with a cast or a splint. If it is a serious fracture, surgery may be necessary to place plates and screws to help the bone heal.

Head Trauma

If your pets are not restrained, they can sustain head trauma. A trauma in the head will need immediate medical attention. Swelling in the brain can cause a seizure, coma, and in worst cases, death. There are a number of symptoms that can indicate a head injury. These include:

• Loss of consciousness

• Disorientation

• Confusion

• Stumbling

• Lethargy

• Fatigue

• Eye movements appearing to be abnormal

• Bleeding from the ears and eyes