Comparison of Trauma in Dogs Due to Direct Motor Vehicle Collision or Ejection from Open Pick-up Truck Bed (2002- 2020)

Introduction: Motor vehicle trauma is the most common type of blunt trauma in dogs, with mode of injury categorized as direct vehicle impact (MVA) or ejection from an open pick-up truck bed (PUA). The objective was to describe and compare injuries sustained, hypothesizing that MVA and PUA cause different types of injuries.

Materials and Methods: Medical records were searched for dogs involved in MVA or PUA between 2002 and 2020. Signalment, mode of injury, injuries sustained, and treatments performed were recorded. An owner questionnaire investigated impacts of the trauma on dogs and owners.

Results: In total, 671 dogs met the inclusion criteria (569 MVA, 102 PUA). Orthopaedic trauma was significantly more common following PUA (90.2%) than MVA (75.6%), predominantly resulting in fractures (PUA 96.7%, MVA 93.7%) and luxations (PUA 7.8%, MVA 22.8%). Soft tissue trauma was significantly more common in MVA patients (76.4%, PUA 67.6%) with significantly more thoracic (MVA 26.9%, PUA 4.4%) and abdominal (MVA 12.9%, PUA 1.4%) injuries sustained. Significantly more PUA dogs (71.6%) required surgical treatment (MVA 47.6%). Survival to discharge was significantly different (PUA 95.1%, MVA 80%). Most owners reported negative emotional, financial, and time-commitment impacts.

Discussion/Conclusion: MVA and PUA patients are affected by significantly different types of injuries likely due to differences in the predominating impact forces that occur during the trauma. MVAs result in predominantly soft tissue and orthopaedic polytrauma. PUAs result in orthopaedic injuries necessitating surgical treatment and are associated with an increased financial and postoperative care commitment from the owner.

Acknowledgements: There was no proprietary interest or funding provided for this project.

Publication History

Article published online:
26 October 2022