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Treatment of the head trauma HBC dog | VETgirl Veterinary Continuing Education Videos

In this VETgirl video, we review the treatment of head trauma. This is an 8-year old, female spayed, Labrador retriever who was hit by a car. She was stabilized initially, focusing on the ABCDs (e.g., airway, breathing, circulation and dysfunction). Once her cardiovascular system was stabilized (e.g., she had a normal heart rate and blood pressure), she was treated for her signs of head trauma. Head trauma treatment goals include:

• Aggressive fluid resuscitation to help normalize or maintain blood pressure and maximize perfusion
• Oxygen therapy
• 15- to 30-degree head elevation (to lower ICP)
• The use of mannitol to help lower intracranial pressure (typically at 0.5-1 grams/kg, IV slowly over 30 minutes, and repeat as needed)
• Minimal jugular restraint or pressure (to prevent increased ICP)
• Tight glycemic control
• Symptomatic supportive care

Please note that the use of steroids is no longer recommended for the treatment of head trauma, based on the 2001 CRASH study, as steroids can exacerbate hyperglycemia and potentially worsen outcome with head trauma. Thankfully, with supportive care and treatment, this dog recovered well.

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