GUNSHOT INJURIES - PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND TREATMENTS

The increase in gun ownership and shootings of dogs and cats in urban and rural areas has made it important for veterinarians to be familiar with the treatment of gunshot injuries. The damage inflicted on the s oft tissues and bone depends on the type of firearm used and the range at which it was fired. Proper initial evaluation and management are c ritical in the treatment of these injuries. Fractures caused by gunsho ts are contaminated and can often be stabilized with external fixation . Complications and special considerations of these fractures and asso ciated soft tissue injuries are discussed.