Complicated Trauma Cases

As emergency clinicians we are often faced with polytrauma patients where injuries to multiple body systems must be prioritized and addressed simultaneously.
In this case-based webinar we will revisit the systematic approach to the trauma patient, emphasizing how to recognize life-threatening thoracic and abdominal injuries early and how to prioritize diagnostics and interventions in the emergency setting.
We will discuss practical strategies for stabilizing patients with chest trauma, including the management of pneumothorax, hemothorax, and severe pulmonary contusions, as well as the emergency approach to abdominal trauma. As in previous CCMs, this will be a very interactive evening session

Learning outcome:
After this webinar, participants will be able to apply a structured emergency approach to polytrauma patients, recognize and prioritize life-threatening chest and abdominal injuries, and make informed decisions about stabilization and further interventions under time-critical conditions.

Neuro-Toxicities

When faced with patients presenting with acute neurological signs, the emergency clinician must rapidly consider toxicities as a possible underlying cause.
In this case-based webinar we will revisit the most common toxic agents leading to neurological signs in small animals, including tremor- and seizure-inducing toxins as well as those causing altered mentation or weakness. We will discuss how to structure the diagnostic approach when the toxin is unknown, how to stabilize patients with life-threatening neurological manifestations, and which decontamination and specific therapies should be prioritized.

Learning outcome:
After this webinar, participants will be able to recognize neurological signs associated with common toxicities, implement an effective stabilization and decontamination plan, and prioritize emergency interventions to improve patient outcomes in time-critical situations

 

Heat Stroke

In this case-based webinar we will revisit the pathophysiology of heatstroke and the key steps in the emergency approach, from rapid cooling strategies to stabilization of circulation and prevention of secondary complications. We will discuss how to recognize early versus advanced clinical presentations, how to tailor fluid therapy in the face of possible shock or coagulopathy, and how to monitor patients for complications such as acute kidney injury, gastrointestinal barrier failure, or disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Learning outcome:
After this webinar, participants will be able to apply a structured emergency approach to patients with heatstroke, implement effective cooling and stabilization strategies, and recognize and manage the complications that determine outcome.

 

Septic Peritonitis

Septic peritonitis remains one of the most critical abdominal emergencies in small animal practice, requiring rapid recognition and decisive management to improve patient outcome. The emergency clinician is challenged not only by the severity of systemic illness but also by the need to balance stabilization with the urgency of surgical intervention.
In this case-based webinar we will review how to recognize key clinical and diagnostic indicators early and which diagnostic procedures help us guide decision-making. We will discuss the initial stabilization of these patients, including fluid resuscitation, antibiotic selection, analgesia, and monitoring strategies.

Learning outcome
After this webinar, participants will be able to recognize septic peritonitis in dogs and cats, initiate appropriate stabilization measures, and make informed decisions regarding surgical and postoperative management to optimize patient survival.

 

Sodium Disorders

Disorders of sodium balance can present significant therapeutic challenges in the emergency setting. Both hypo- and hypernatremia can lead to life-threatening neurological signs, and safe correction requires the understanding of pathophysiological processes associated with sodium disorders.
In this case-based webinar we will discuss how to interpret clinical and laboratory parameters in order to choose the timeframe of sodium correction, avoiding iatrogenic complications, and selecting appropriate fluid therapy tailored to the individual patient.
Clinical cases will highlight practical decision-making and illustrate the balance between rapid stabilization and the prevention of secondary injury.

Learning outcome:
After this webinar, participants will be able to implement safe and effective correction strategies, and tailor fluid therapy to optimize outcomes while minimizing the risk of complications.

 

Head Trauma

In this case-based webinar we will revisit the pathophysiology of head trauma and outline a structured approach to the neurologic patient in the emergency setting. We will discuss how to perform an effective initial assessment, including neurological examination and monitoring parameters, and which diagnostic tools are most useful in the acute phase. Special focus will be given to evidence-based stabilization strategies such as optimizing oxygenation, ventilation, fluid therapy, and analgesia, as well as the role of hyperosmolar agents in managing elevated intracranial pressure.
We will also address common pitfalls in the management of head trauma and review decision-making regarding advanced imaging, surgical intervention, and prognostication.

Learning outcome:
After this webinar, participants will be able to recognize and assess head trauma in dogs and cats, implement appropriate stabilization and monitoring strategies, and apply targeted interventions to minimize secondary brain injury and improve outcomes.

 

Stranguria

Stranguria is a common but potentially life-threatening emergency presentation in cats. The emergency clinician must quickly determine whether the patient is obstructed, stabilize the patient appropriately, and decide on the best method of relieving the obstruction while managing pain and stress.
In this case-based webinar we will discuss emergency stabilization, including fluid therapy, analgesia, and correction of electrolyte and acid-base imbalances, before addressing safe techniques for urinary catheterization. Special attention will be given to managing severe hyperkalemia, minimizing the risk of iatrogenic trauma during catheterization, and preventing early recurrence after relief of obstruction.

Learning outcome:
After this webinar, participants will be able to assess and stabilize cats presenting with stranguria, differentiate between obstructive and non-obstructive causes, and apply safe and effective techniques to relieve obstruction and prevent complications.

Fluid Therapy in Anuric/Polyuric Patients

Managing fluid therapy in anuric or oliguric patients poses a unique challenge. While fluids are often the cornerstone of stabilization, inappropriate administration in these patients can quickly worsen their condition and lead to life-threatening complications. The emergency clinician must therefore balance the need for circulatory support with the risk of fluid overload.
In this case-based webinar we will discuss how to assess volume status, how to distinguish between pre-renal, renal, and post-renal causes, and how to guide fluid therapy accordingly. Special emphasis will be placed on setting appropriate fluid rates, recognizing early signs of fluid overload, and knowing when to move beyond fluid therapy to advanced interventions such as diuretics or renal replacement therapy.
Case examples will highlight the decision-making process and the practical challenges clinicians face when tailoring therapy to these fragile patients.

Learning outcome:
After this webinar, participants will be able to recognize anuric and oliguric states in dogs and cats, assess the underlying cause, and implement safe, individualized fluid therapy strategies while minimizing the risk of fluid overload and secondary complications.

 

Bleeding

Acute bleeding disorders in small animals can arise from trauma, hyperfibrinolysis, or underlying coagulation abnormalities, and they often present as life-threatening emergencies. The emergency clinician must be able to rapidly identify the underlying cause, stabilize the patient, and determine the most effective therapeutic strategy under time-critical conditions.
In this case-based webinar we will revisit the pathophysiology of bleeding disorders, highlighting the differences between trauma-associated hemorrhage, hyperfibrinolysis, and primary or secondary coagulation abnormalities. We will discuss the diagnostic approach, including point-of-care tests, and how to prioritize stabilization measures such as fluid resuscitation, transfusion strategies, and antifibrinolytic therapy. Special attention will be given to recognizing when conventional therapy may be insufficient and when advanced interventions or surgical hemostasis are required.

Learning outcome:
After this webinar, participants will be able to differentiate between the main causes of acute bleeding in dogs and cats, apply a structured diagnostic and stabilization approach, and implement targeted therapeutic strategies to control hemorrhage and improve patient outcome.

 

Neuro-muscular Ischemia

Neuromuscular ischemia is a rare but serious complication in small animal patients, often resulting from prolonged pressure, vascular compromise, or underlying systemic disease. Prompt recognition and intervention are critical, as delayed treatment can lead to permanent neuromuscular deficits.
In this case-based webinar we will revisit the pathophysiology of neuromuscular ischemia, with a focus on the “Kippfenster syndrome” and other clinically relevant presentations. Through illustrative cases, we will highlight the importance of early recognition, timely intervention, and careful monitoring to optimize patient outcomes. Special emphasis will be placed on practical management strategies, including pain control, reperfusion approaches, and supportive care to minimize long-term functional loss.

Learning outcome:
After this webinar, participants will be able to recognize signs of neuromuscular ischemia, assess severity and implement timely interventions and supportive care to prevent permanent deficits and improve patient recovery.