Early CT in dogs following traumatic brain injury has limited value in predicting short-term prognosis.

Traumatic brain injury is associated with a high risk of mortality in veterinary patients, however publications describing valid prognostic indicators are currently lacking. The objective of this retrospective observational study was to determine whether early CT findings are associated with short-term prognosis following traumatic brain injury (TBI) in dogs. An electronic database was searched for dogs with TBI that underwent CT within 72 h of injury; 40 dogs met the inclusion criteria. CT findings were graded based on a Modified Advanced Imaging System (MAIS) from grade I (normal brain parenchyma) to VI (bilateral lesions affecting the brainstem with or without any foregoing lesions of lesser grades). Other imaging features recorded included presence of midline shift, intracranial hemorrhage, brain herniation, skull fractures, and percentage of total brain parenchyma affected. Outcome measures included survival to discharge and occurrence of immediate onset posttraumatic seizures. Thirty dogs (75%) survived to discharge. Seven dogs (17.5%) suffered posttraumatic seizures. There was no association between survival to discharge and posttraumatic seizures. No imaging features evaluated were associated with the study outcome measures. Therefore, the current study failed to identify any early CT imaging features with prognostic significance in canine TBI patients. Limitations associated with CT may preclude its use for prognostication; however, modifications to the current MAIS and evaluation in a larger study population may yield more useful results. Despite this, CT is a valuable tool in the detection of structural abnormalities following TBI in dogs that warrants further investigation.

Current trends in the management of canine traumatic brain injury: An Internet-based survey.

This study characterized trends in management of canine traumatic brain injury (TBI) among 182 small animal veterinarians grouped as follows: Board-certified specialists at a veterinary teaching hospital (BCS-VTH), Board-certified specialists in private practice (BCS-PP), non-specialists at a teaching hospital (DVM-VTH), and non-specialists in private practice (DVM-PP). The BCS-VTH, BSC-PP, and DVM-VTH groups were more comfortable using the modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MGCS) than the DVM-PP group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.009, respectively). All respondents chose the following diagnostics most frequently: packed cell volume/total solids (95.6%), blood glucose (96.7%), and blood pressure (95.0%). The DVM-VTH group chose the following more frequently than the DVM-PP group: computed tomography (19.4% versus 4.5%; P = 0.027), venous or arterial blood gas (83.9% versus 46.3%; P < 0.001), electrocardiography (71.0% versus 44.8%; P = 0.018), lactate (87.1% versus 59.7%; P = 0.009), and brief thoracic ultrasound (87.1% versus 62.7%; P = 0.017). BCS-PP chose hypertonic saline more frequently than DVM-PP (94.1% versus 74.6%; P = 0.005). The DVM-PP group chose corticosteroid therapy and anticonvulsant therapy more frequently than BCS-PP (10.4% versus 0.0%; P = 0.019; 73.1% versus 43.1%; P = 0.004, respectively). This study highlights variability in management of canine TBI.

Tendances actuelles dans la gestion des traumatismes cérébraux canins : sondage sur Internet. Cette étude a caractérisé les tendances dans la gestion des traumatismes cérébraux canins (TC) parmi 182 médecins vétérinaires pour petits animaux regroupés de la façon suivante : spécialistes agréés par un conseil dans un hôpital d'enseignement vétérinaire (BCS-VTH), spécialistes agréés en pratique privée (BCS-PP), non-spécialistes dans un hôpital d'enseignement vétérinaire (DVM-VTH) et non-spécialistes en pratique privée (DVM-PP). Les BCS-VTH, les BSC-PP et les DVM-VTH étaient plus à l'aise lors de l'utilisation de l'échelle de Glasgow modifiée (MGCS) que les DVM-PP (P < 0,001, P < 0,001 et P = 0,009, respectivement). Tous les répondants ont choisi les diagnostics suivants le plus fréquemment : valeur d'hématocrite/solides totaux (95,6 %), glycémie (96,7 %) et tension artérielle (95,0 %). Le groupe DVM-VTH a choisi les éléments suivants plus fréquemment que le groupe DVM-PP : tomodensitométrie (19,4 % contre 4,5 %; P = 0,027), gaz du sang veineux ou artériel (83,9 % contre 46,3 %; P < 0,001), électrocardiographie (71,0 % contre 44,8 %; P = 0,018), lactate (87,1 % contre 59,7 %; P = 0,009) et une brève échographie thoracique (87,1 % contre 62,7 %; P = 0,017). Le groupe BCS-PP a choisi la solution saline hypertonique plus fréquemment que le groupe DVM-PP (94,1 % contre 74,6 %; P = 0,005). Le groupe DVM-PP a choisi la thérapie corticostéroïde et une thérapie anti-convulsivante plus fréquemment que le groupe BCS-PP (10,4 % contre 0,0 %; P = 0,019; 73,1 % contre 43,1 %; P = 0,004, respectivement). Cette étude souligne la variabilité dans la gestion des TC canins.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Retrospective evaluation of shock index and mortality in dogs with head trauma (2015-2020): 86 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between shock index (SI) and mortality in dogs with head trauma (HT). A secondary objective was to compare SI with the animal trauma triage (ATT) score and Modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MCGS) score in HT cases. A tertiary aim was to assess if SI is predictive of survival to discharge or improvement in presenting neurologic signs. DESIGN: Retrospective study from January 2015 to December 2020. SETTING: Tertiary referral level II veterinary trauma center. ANIMALS: Eighty-six dogs with evidence of HT presenting through emergency for various traumas compared to 60 healthy control dogs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: SI was calculated using the quotient of heart rate over systolic blood pressure measured on presentation. SI was significantly higher in HT patients than healthy controls (P = 0.0019). SI was not significantly different between traumatic brain injury dogs that died or were euthanized and HT dogs that lived until the time of discharge (P = 0.98). SI was not significantly different between HT dogs that were neurologically normal at the time of discharge and HT dogs that were static or improved but not normal neurologically at the time of discharge (P = 0.84). In HT dogs, SI did not correlate with ATT score (P = 0.16) or MGCS score (P = 0.75). There was no significant difference in SI and length of hospitalization until death or discharge (P = 0.78). CONCLUSIONS: SI was significantly higher in HT patients compared to control patients. Interestingly, SI was not correlated with ATT score or MGCS score. The use of SI in HT patients warrants further investigation to assess the efficacy in predicting mortality.

Surgical interventions and outcome in a population of feline trauma patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine signalment, injury type, trauma severity score, and outcome of feline trauma patients undergoing surgical (emergency room [ER] and operating room [OR]) and nonsurgical treatments in addition to time to surgery, specialty services involved, and cost in the OR surgery population. DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation of medical record and hospital trauma registry data on feline trauma cases. SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Two hundred and fifty-one cats presenting for traumatic injury between May 2017 and July 2020. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Demographics and outcomes were compared for cats undergoing surgical intervention in an OR (12%, 31/251) or an ER (23%, 58/251) setting and feline trauma patients without surgical intervention (65%, 162/251). Between the 2 surgical groups, 99% survived to discharge compared to 73.5% of the nonsurgical group (P < 0.0001). For the OR surgical cohort, electronic medical records were reviewed to determine the specialty surgery service involved, time to and duration of anesthesia and surgery, and visit cost. The most common surgery services involved were orthopedics (41%, 12/29) and dentistry (38%, 11/29), and the most common surgeries performed were mandibular fracture stabilization (8/29) and internal fixation for long bone fractures (8/29). The ER surgical group had a significantly lower Animal Trauma Triage score than the OR group (P < 0.0001), but a significant difference was not found between OR surgical and nonsurgical groups (P = 0.0553). No difference in modified Glasgow Coma Scale score was found between any groups. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical intervention in feline trauma patients appears to be associated with higher survival rates, but no difference in mortality was found across surgery services. OR surgical intervention, in particular, orthopedic surgery, was associated with increased length of hospitalization, increased cost, and increased use of blood products.

Animal Trauma Triage Score, Modified Glasgow Coma Scale, age, and weight were associated with outcome in feline bite wounds (1,065 cases): a VetCOT registry study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify associations between admission variables, Animal Trauma Triage (ATT) score, and Modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MGCS) score with need for transfusion or surgical interventions and survival to discharge in cats with bite wounds. ANIMALS: 1,065 cats with bite wounds. PROCEDURES: Records of cats with bite wounds were obtained from the VetCOT registry from April 2017 to June 2021. Variables included point of care laboratory values, signalment, weight, illness severity scores, and surgical intervention. Associations between admission parameters, terciles of MGCS, quantiles of ATT scores, and death or euthanasia were assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: 872 cats (82%) survived to discharge, while 170 (88%) were euthanized and 23(12%) died. In the multivariable model, age, weight, surgical treatment, ATT and MGCS scores were associated with nonsurvival. For every 1 year of age, odds of nonsurvival increased by 7% (P = .003) and for every 1 kg of body weight, odds of nonsurvival decreased by 14% (P = .005). Odds of dying increased with lower MGCS and higher ATT scores (MGCS: 104% [95% CI, 116% to 267%; P < .001]; ATT: 351% [95% CI, 321% to 632%; P < .001). Odds of dying decreased by 84% (P < .001) in cats that underwent surgery versus those that did not. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This multicenter study indicated association of higher ATT and lower MGCS with worse outcome. Older age increased the odds of nonsurvival, while each kilogram increase in bodyweight decreased odds of nonsurvival. To our knowledge, this study is the first to describe associations of age and weight with outcome in feline trauma patients.

An avian Modified Glasgow Coma Scale as a prognostic indicator in raptors with head trauma.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a Modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MGCS) for use in raptors presenting with head trauma and assess the agreement of the MGCS scores between examiners with varying backgrounds, and to assess the prognostic value of the avian MGCS in raptors with head trauma. ANIMALS: 156 native raptorial species. METHODS: All raptors received an MGCS assessment within 8 hours of their presentation, between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019. For the first objective, the assessment was performed by a veterinary student, a wildlife veterinarian, and a board-certified or resident veterinary neurologist. Each animal received a score in 3 categories (motor activity, level of consciousness, and brain stem reflexes) and an overall score. For the second objective, the MGCS scoring was performed by the intaking clinical team member and survival after 48 hours was documented. RESULTS: Agreement between the 3 individual scores was assessed via Cronbach α and intraclass correlation. There was excellent-good agreement in all 3 assessment categories as well as the overall score. Univariate associations between survival and demographic factors were determined using the χ2 test. Overall, raptors with a total MGCS of < 10 were less likely to survive than those with a score > 12. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An avian-specific MGCS demonstrated good-excellent agreement among raters of various backgrounds in assessing raptors with head trauma. Additionally, this study showed that an avian-specific MGCS may be correlated with the probability of survival within the first 48 hours after presentation to rehabilitation facilities in raptors with head trauma.

A multicenter retrospective comparison of trauma in toy breeds versus giant breeds: A Veterinary Committee on Trauma registry study.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate and stratify the differences in signalment, mechanisms, and severity of injury between toy and giant breed dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective, observational cohort study. SETTING: Multicenter, university veterinary teaching hospital, and private referral hospitals contributing to Veterinary Committee on Trauma (VetCOT) patient registry. ANIMALS: Two thousand seven hundred and five (2589 toy and 116 giant breed) dogs presented for trauma with complete data entries recruited into the Veterinary Committee on Trauma registry from September 1, 2013 through December 31, 2017. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Injury etiology in toy breeds was predominantly blunt trauma (1532/2587 [59.2%]), commonly falling from a height or motor vehicle accident, whereas in giant breeds penetrating trauma was more common (71/116 [61.2%]). Eighty-seven percent (2231/2558) of toy breeds and 94.7% (108/114) giant breeds survived to discharge. When stratified by severity of injury (animal trauma triage [ATT] ≥ 5), mortality increased. Severely injured toy breeds had a 45.6% (200/438) survival rate, and severely injured giant breeds had a 62.5% (5/8) survival rate. Patient size did not impact survival in a logistic regression model; however, ATT score (odd ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.52-0.58; P < 0.001), modified Glasgow Coma Scale (mGCS; odds ratio, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.11-1.32; P < 0.001), and base excess (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.09-1.22; P < 0.001) were predictive of nonsurvival. Surgical intervention was required in 743 of 2587 (29%) toy breeds and 65 of 116 (56%) giant breeds. Surgery was associated with an increased survival rate (odds ratio, 4.43; 95% CI, 2.45-8.83; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of a large, multicenter dataset showed that ATT score along with base excess, plasma lactate, and mGCS were predictors of mortality independent of patient size. Severely injured dogs, as defined by an ATT score ≥ 5, were less likely to survive, and toy breed dogs had a higher mortality rate than giant breeds in the subcategory.

Prospective evaluation of the Animal Trauma Triage Score and Modified Glasgow Coma Scale in 25 cats with high-rise syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the prognostic utility of the Animal Trauma Triage Score (ATTS) and Modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MGCS) in cats with high-rise syndrome. METHODS: ATTS and MGCS were obtained upon arrival from 25 client-owned cats presented for high-rise syndrome. Cases were followed during hospitalisation and several variables, including outcome, were recorded. RESULTS: The mortality rate in this cohort of cats with high-rise syndrome was 16%. Univariate statistical analysis showed that lactate (P = 0.022), creatinine (P = 0.01), body weight (P = 0.036) and ATTS (P = 0.02) were higher and MGCS (P = 0.011) lower among non-survivors. Multivariable statistical analysis showed that ATTS was the only factor significantly associated with mortality (odds ratio 2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-5.71; P = 0.046). A receiver operating characteristics curve showed that ATTS was an excellent predictor of mortality (area under the curve 0.917, 95% CI 0.8-1.0; P = 0.009). An ATTS cut-off of 6.0 had a 75% sensitivity and 90% specificity for non-survival and a cut-off of 10 had a 25% sensitivity and 100% specificity for non-survival. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: ATTS is predictive of severity and outcome in cats with high-rise syndrome and can help facilitate decision-making by owners and veterinarians.

Evaluation of geriatric trauma in dogs with moderate to severe injury (6169 cases): A VetCOT registry study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine geriatric classification as a predictor of survival in moderate to severely injured dogs denoted by animal trauma triage (ATT) scores ≥3 or modified Glasgow Coma Scale (mGCS) scores ≤14. DESIGN: Retrospective observational cohort study utilizing data collected between September 2013 and May 2019 with follow-up until death or hospital discharge. SETTING: Thirty-one trauma centers including university teaching hospitals and private referral centers. ANIMALS: A total of 6169 dogs entered into the Veterinary Committee on Trauma Registry with complete data entry including age, weight, outcome, mGCS (≤14), and/or ATT (≥3). INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The effect of geriatric classification on survival was estimated using shared-frailty cox proportional hazard models. Model 1 dependent variables: death despite intervention or euthanasia due to grave prognosis. Model 2 dependent variables: death by euthanasia due to financial influence or combined influence of finances and grave prognosis. Model 3 evaluated interactions between geriatric classification and moderate versus severe trauma. The shared-frailty models controlled for contributing site as a random effect and other confounding variables, including trauma severity. Model 1: geriatrics had a significantly increased hazard risk (HR) for death (HR = 1.48, P < 0.0001). Model 2: geriatrics had an insignificant increased HR for death (HR = 1.34, P = 0.08). Model 3: geriatrics demonstrated significantly increased mortality risk with moderate level trauma. Additional Model 1 variables independently associated with mortality include ATT perfusion, neurologic, respiratory subscores, mGCS motor subscore, weight, and spinal trauma. Additional Model 2 variables independently associated with mortality include ATT perfusion subscore and neuter status. In general, statistical differences between cohorts were found with regard to lactate, PCV, total protein, and glucose. CONCLUSIONS: Among moderately injured dogs who experienced death despite intervention or euthanasia due to grave prognosis, mortality risk is significantly higher in geriatrics as compared to nongeriatrics.

Retrospective evaluation of the relationship between admission variables and brain herniation in dogs (2010-2019): 54 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To document the admission systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR), and modified Glasgow coma scale (MGCS) score in dogs with and without brain herniation and to determine their relationship with brain herniation. DESIGN: Retrospective study between 2010 and 2019. SETTING: University veterinary teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Fifty-four client-owned dogs with brain herniation and 40 client-owned dogs as a control group, as determined on magnetic resonance imaging. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: SBP, HR, MGCS score, and outcome were extracted from medical records. MGCS score was retrospectively calculated based on initial neurological examination in dogs with adequate available information. Dogs with brain herniation had a significantly higher SBP (P = 0.0078), greater SBP-HR difference (P = 0.0006), and lower MGCS score (P < 0.0001) compared to control dogs. A cutoff value of an SBP ≥ 178 mm Hg, SBP-HR ≥ 60, and MGCS score ≤ 14 each provides a specificity of 90%-98%. A combination of an SBP > 140 mm Hg and HR < 80/min provided 24% sensitivity and 100% specificity to diagnose dogs with brain herniation (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: A high SBP, a greater difference between SBP and HR, a combination of higher SBP and lower HR, and a low MGCS score were associated with brain herniation in dogs presenting with neurological signs upon admission. Early recognition of these abnormalities may help veterinarians to suspect brain herniation and determine timely treatment.

The prognostic value of admission point-of-care testing and modified Glasgow Coma Scale score in dogs and cats with traumatic brain injuries (2007-2010): 212 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between admission point-of-care parameters and survival to discharge in dogs and cats with traumatic brain injury (TBI). DESIGN: Retrospective study 2007-2010. SETTING: A rural university teaching hospital and an urban private practice teaching hospital. ANIMALS: One hundred thirty-one dogs and 81 cats admitted to the emergency service with evidence of head injury based on history from the owner or physical exam. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In dogs, nonsurvivors had significantly higher glucose concentrations at admission than survivors (median = 8.49 mmol/L [153 mg/dl] vs 6.83 mmol/L [123 mg/dl], p = 0.039). In cats, there was no significant difference in admission glucose between survivors and nonsurvivors (median = 10.21 mmol/L [184 mg/dl] vs 10.93 mmol/L [197 mg/dl], p = 0.17). Modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MGCS) score was available for 105 of the 131 dogs (80%) and was significantly higher in survivors than in nonsurvivors (median = 16 vs 11, p < 0.0001). MGCS was available for 45 of the 81 cats (56%) and was significantly higher in survivors than in nonsurvivors (median = 17 vs 14, p = 0.0005). The relative prognostic value of the admission point-of-care testing parameters and MGCS were assessed using a stepwise linear regression model, which included admission glucose, pH, base excess, sodium, and MGCS. In dogs, only admission glucose was an independent predictor of survival (odds ratio = 1.027, 95% confidence interval, 1.0042-1.05, p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that, as in people with TBI, increased blood glucose concentrations may have prognostic significance in dogs with TBI but not in cats. In addition, MGCS score may be predictive of survival in both dogs and cats with TBI.

CT findings and the prognostic value of the Koret CT score in cats with traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to evaluate associations between abnormal head CT findings and outcome, and to examine the prognostic value of the Koret CT score (KCTS) in cats sustaining acute traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: The medical records of cats hospitalised with TBI that underwent head CT scans within 72 h of admission were retrospectively reviewed. CT scans were evaluated independently by a radiologist and a neurologist who were blinded to the outcome. A KCTS and modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MGCS) were assigned to each cat and the association between abnormal CT findings, KCTS, MGCS and outcome were analysed. RESULTS: Fourteen cats were included in the study: nine (64.2%) survivors and five (35.7%) non-survivors. Of the nine cats that were discharged, one was a short-term survivor (10 days) and eight (57.1%) were long-term survivors (⩾6 months). Abnormal CT findings included lateral ventricle asymmetry/midline shift (42.8%), intracranial haemorrhage (35.7%), caudotentorial lesions (14.2%) and cranial vault fractures (14.2%), all of which were depressed. Intracranial haemorrhage was found to be significantly and negatively associated with short-term (P = 0.005) and long-term (P = 0.023) survival. KCTS was significantly associated with short-term survival (P = 0.002) and long-term survival (P = 0.004). A KCTS cut-off value of 2 yielded a 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for short-term survival and 100% sensitivity and 80% specificity for long-term survival. A MGCS cut-off value of ⩾13 was associated with a 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for short-term survival, and with a 100% sensitivity and 80% specificity for long-term survival. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: KCTS, performed up to 72 h from injury, can be used as an additional diagnostic tool for the prediction of survival in cats with TBI.

Distribution of mortality patterns in cats with naturally occurring trauma: A Veterinary Committee on Trauma registry study.

A greater understanding of the prognostic variables that affect the timing of death for cats with trauma may help clinicians select treatments and monitoring plans. This study investigated the mortality rate and its distribution pattern in a large population of cats to identify variables associated with the timing of trauma-related deaths. Clinical data was retrieved from the Veterinary Committee on Trauma database to determine mortality rates and timing of deaths, defined as early death (ED; <1 day post-presentation) or delayed death (DD; ≥1 day post-presentation). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify characteristics and interventions that best predicted timing of death. Overall mortality rate for 6703 feline trauma patients with complete records was 17.2%, with 7.6% due to natural death and 92.3% due to euthanasia. Among the subset of 543 cats with trauma that died after presentation or required euthanasia due to a grave prognosis (representing an 8.1% mortality rate), EDs were more common (71.7%) than DD and the cause of death was not significantly associated with the timing of death. Clinical pathology parameters were unable to identify animals more likely to die or to require euthanasia due to a poor prognosis during hospitalisation. Factors that were significantly different for cats with ED vs. DD included the median cumulative results for the Modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MGCS) score and the Animal Trauma Triage (ATT) score, the presence of spinal trauma, administration of blood products and undertaking surgical procedures. An increased likelihood of DD rather than ED was associated with the administration of blood products (odds ratio [OR], 3.959; P = 0.019) vs. not, performing a surgical procedure (OR, 6.055; P < 0.001) vs. not, and a cumulative MGCS of 15-17 or 18 (OR, 1.947 and 3.115; P = 0.031 and P = 0.01, respectively) vs. a cumulative MGCS ≤ 11.

Correlation between bispectral index value and modified Glasgow Coma Scale score in dogs with altered level of consciousness.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify the correlation between bispectral index (BIS) value and modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MGCS) score in dogs with altered level of consciousness (ALOC). DESIGN: This prospective, observational, clinical study was conducted from February 2016 to March 2017, and follow-up was conducted until the death of dogs or their discharge from the hospital. SETTING: This study was performed at the Small Animal Teaching Hospital. ANIMALS: A total of 31 client-owned dogs (males, 20; females, 11) with ALOC and MGCS score <18 with no restrictions for age, breed, sex, and body weight were included. Dogs that received neuromuscular blocking agents before MGCS score evaluation were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: BIS values were measured using the Covidien BIS Loc 2 Channel OEM module and a pediatric 4 sensor with a bifrontal application pattern. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Minimal databases of initial neurological assessment, blood profiles, and chest and skull radiographs were developed. In addition, MGCS scores and BIS values were recorded. The mean BIS values for mild, moderate, and severe brain injuries were 89.14 ± 6.52, 77.21 ± 9.82, and 50.58 ± 27.04, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed a significantly positive relationship between BIS values and MGCS scores (r = 0.75; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The significant correlation observed between MGCS scores and BIS values in dogs with ALOC demonstrated the usefulness of BIS as an alternative to MGCS for monitoring consciousness in patients with ALOC caused by traumatic brain injury, encephalitis, etc.

Shock index is associated with mortality in canine vehicular trauma patients.

OBJECTIVE: To calculate and compare shock index (SI) in healthy dogs and vehicular trauma dogs (VT), determine the prognostic value of SI in VT dogs, and to assess the correlation between SI and the animal trauma triage score, modified Glasgow Coma Scale score, and lactate in VT dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study from April 2016 to February 2018. SETTING: Twenty-four-hour tertiary referral level II trauma center. ANIMALS: One hundred twenty-one dogs presented to the emergency service for VT and 60 healthy control dogs. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Heart rate and systolic blood pressure were measured on each patient and used to calculate SI. SI was significantly higher in VT dogs compared to healthy control dogs (median SI, 1.0 vs 0.75; P < 0.0001). SI was significantly higher in those that died versus those that survived to discharge (median, 1.27 vs 0.96; P = 0.017). SI positively correlated with animal trauma triage score (95% confidence interval, 0.039-0.49; P = 0.019; r = 0.26) but did not with plasma lactate level at presentation (P = 0.068; r = 0.22) or modified Glasgow Coma Scale (P = 0.85; r = -0.021, 95% confidence interval, -0.24 to 0.20). CONCLUSIONS: SI is easy to calculate during triage of a trauma patient. Given its significant relationship with mortality, higher SIs should prompt the clinician to pursue additional monitoring, diagnostics, and intervention.

Performance evaluation and validation of the Animal Trauma Triage score and modified Glasgow Coma Scale in injured cats: A Veterinary Committee on Trauma registry study.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the Animal Trauma Triage (ATT) and modified Glasgow Coma Scale (mGCS) scores as predictors of mortality in injured cats. DESIGN: Observational cohort study conducted September 2013 to March 2015. SETTING: Nine Level I and II veterinary trauma centers. ANIMALS: Consecutive sample of 711 cats reported on the Veterinary Committee on Trauma (VetCOT) case registry. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We compared the predictive power (area under receiver operating characteristic curve; AUROC) and calibration of the ATT and mGCS scores to their components. Overall mortality risk was 16.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.9-19.4). Head trauma prevalence was 11.8% (n = 84). The ATT score showed a linear relationship with mortality risk. Discriminatory performance of the ATT score was excellent (AUROC = 0.87 [95% CI, 0.84-0.90]). Each ATT score increase of 1 point was associated with an increase in mortality odds of 1.78 (95% CI, 1.61-1.97, P < 0.001). The eye/muscle/integument category of the ATT showed the lowest discrimination (AUROC = 0.60). When this component, skeletal, and cardiac components were omitted from score calculation, there was no loss in discriminatory capacity compared with the full score (AUROC = 0.86 vs 0.87, respectively, P = 0.66). The mGCS showed fair performance overall for prediction of mortality, but the point estimate of performance improved when restricted to head trauma patients (AUROC = 0.75, 95% CI, 0.70-0.80 vs AUROC = 0.80, 95% CI, 0.70-0.90). The motor component of the mGCS showed the best predictive performance (AUROC = 0.71); however, the full score performed better than the motor component alone (P = 0.004). When assessment was restricted to patients with head injury (n = 84), there was no difference in performance between the ATT and mGCS scores (AUROC = 0.82 vs 0.80, P = 0.67). CONCLUSION: On a large, multicenter dataset of feline trauma patients, the ATT score showed excellent discrimination and calibration for predicting mortality; however, an abbreviated score calculated from the perfusion, respiratory, and neurologic categories showed equivalent performance.

Evaluating traumatic brain injury using conventional magnetic resonance imaging and susceptibility-weighted imaging in dogs.

Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence used for evaluating traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although SWI is being increasingly used in veterinary medicine, there are no systematic studies regarding its use. We aimed to evaluate TBI lesions by using conventional MRI and SWI in 11 dogs and determine the correlation between clinical status and conventional MRI or SWI findings. The modified Glasgow coma scale (MGCS) at presentation and a previously used MRI grading system (MRGr; grades 1-6) were used to evaluate the brain lesions, and correlations between MGCS score and each MRGr were assessed. Conventional MRI revealed 23 lesions in 11 dogs with variable MGCS scores (range: 11-17). SWI showed comparable findings for all of the lesions except for subdural hemorrhage, and it revealed additional lesions in four dogs. The median MRGr was 2 on both conventional MRI and SWI. The MRGr of the conventional MRI assessments and the MGCS scores showed a significant negative correlation (r = -0.685). In conclusion, SWI had better TBI lesion-detection ability, but conventional MRI had a better correlation with early clinical status and subdural hemorrhage. Thus, a combination of conventional MRI and SWI examinations can improve TBI diagnosis in dogs.

Performance evaluation and validation of the animal trauma triage score and modified Glasgow Coma Scale with suggested category adjustment in dogs: A VetCOT registry study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the animal trauma triage (ATT) and modified Glasgow Coma Scale (mGCS) scores as predictors of mortality outcome (death or euthanasia) in injured dogs. DESIGN: Observational cohort study conducted from September 2013 to March 2015 with follow-up until death or hospital discharge. SETTING: Nine veterinary hospitals including private referral and veterinary teaching hospitals. ANIMALS: Consecutive sample of 3,599 dogs with complete data entries recruited into the Veterinary Committee on Trauma patient registry. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We compared the predictive power (area under receiver operating characteristic [AUROC]) and calibration of the ATT and mGCS scores to their components. Overall mortality risk was 7.3% (n = 264). Incidence of head trauma was 9.5% (n = 341). The ATT score showed a linear relationship with mortality risk. Discriminatory performance of the ATT score was excellent with AUROC = 0.92 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91 to 0.94) and pseudo R2 = 0.42. Each ATT score increase of 1 point was associated with an increase in mortality odds of 2.07 (95% CI = 1.94-2.21, P < 0.001). The "eye/muscle/integument" category of the ATT showed poor discrimination (AUROC = 0.55). When this component together with the skeletal and cardiac components were omitted from calculation of the overall score, there was no loss in discriminatory capacity (AUROC = 0.92 vs 0.91, P = 0.09) compared with the full score. The mGCS showed good performance overall, but performance improved when restricted to head trauma patients (AUROC = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.79-0.90, n = 341 vs 0.82, 95% CI = 0.79-0.85, n = 3599). The motor component of the mGCS showed the best predictive performance (AUROC = 0.79 vs 0.66/0.69); however, the full score performed better than the motor component alone (P = 0.002). When assessment was restricted to patients with head injury (n = 341), the ATT score still performed better than the mGCS (AUROC = 0.90 vs 0.84, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In external validation on a large, multicenter dataset, the ATT score showed excellent discrimination and calibration; however, a more parsimonious score calculated on only the perfusion, respiratory, and neurological categories showed equivalent performance.

ACVECC-Veterinary Committee on Trauma Registry Report 2013-2017.

OBJECTIVE: To report summative data from the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Committee on Trauma (VetCOT) registry. DESIGN: Multi-institutional veterinary trauma registry data report. SETTING: VetCOT identified veterinary trauma centers (VTCs). ANIMALS: Dogs and cats with evidence of trauma presented to VTCs with data entered in the VetCOT registry September 1, 2013-March 31, 2017. INTERVENTIONS: VetCOT created a standardized data collection methodology for dog and cat trauma. Data were input to a web-based data capture system (REDCap) by data entry personnel trained in data software use and operational definitions of data variables. Data on demographics, trauma type (blunt vs penetrating), preadmission care, hospitalization and intensive care requirement, trauma severity assessment at presentation (eg, modified Glasgow coma scale and animal trauma triage score), key laboratory parameters, necessity for surgical intervention, and case outcome were collected. Summary descriptive data for each species are reported. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-nine VTCs in North America, Europe, and Australia contributed information from 17,335 dog and 3,425 cat trauma cases during the 42-month reporting period. A large majority of cases presented directly to the VTC after injury (80.4% dogs and 78.1% cats). Blunt trauma was the most common source for injury in cats (56.7%); penetrating trauma was the most common source for injury in dogs (52.3%). Note that 43.8% of dogs and 36.2% of cats were reported to have surgery performed. The proportion surviving to discharge was 92.0% (dogs) and 82.5% (cats). CONCLUSIONS: The VetCOT registry proved to be a powerful resource for collection of a large dataset on trauma in dogs and cats seen at VTCs. While overall survival to discharge was quite high, further evaluation of data on subsets of injury types, patient assessment parameters, interventions, and associated outcome are warranted.

The prognostic value of the modified Glasgow Coma Scale in head trauma in dogs.

A clinical coma scale modified from the Glasgow Coma Scale used for humans has been suggested as a useful predictor of outcome in the head trauma patient. The objective of this study was to correlate the modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MGCS) score of dogs with head trauma with their probability of survival. Thirty-eight dogs with head trauma were selected and retrospectively evaluated. The information retrieved from the medical record of each dog included signalment, body weight, cause of head trauma, MGCS, presence of concurrent neck pain, and outcome (dead or alive) after 48 hours. Logistic regression was used to model survival in the 1st 48 hours as a function of MGCS, gender, weight, and calvarial fractures. The MGCS ranged from 5 to 18. Seven dogs died within 48 hours of the head trauma. The MGCS could predict the probability of survival in the 1st 48 hrs after head trauma with 50% probability in a patient with a score of 8. Gender, weight, and presence of skull fractures did not predict survival. In conclusion, the MGCS is a useful index for prediction of outcome in dogs with head trauma.