LGD FIELD TRIAGE CARD
For field stabilization only. Always call your veterinarian.
⚠️ TRANSPORT IMMEDIATELY — NO DELAY
- GDV / Bloat: distended abdomen, unproductive retching, restlessness, collapse
- Chest wound: labored or paradoxical breathing, sucking wound sound
- Arterial bleed: bright red pulsing blood, not stopped by 5 min direct pressure
- Bite wounds to neck / chest / abdomen: even if entry looks small
- Collapse, pale or white gums, unresponsiveness
- Non-weight-bearing + visible limb deformity (fracture)
- Fever >104°F with spreading redness/swelling around any wound
- Seizures
🔍 STEP 1: FIND ALL WOUNDS
- Clip or part the coat all over — double coats completely hide wounds
- Check neck, chest, axilla, groin, and belly after every predator encounter
- Multiple bite wounds are common from a single attack
- Small entry wound ≠ small injury — bites track deep under the skin
⚠️ PREDATOR-SPECIFIC TRIAGE PRIORITIES
| COYOTE | Check airway and thorax immediately. Coyotes target the ventral neck and chest. High risk of tracheal tears and rib fractures/pneumothorax from puncture wounds. |
| WOLF | Check back, neck, and spine. Wolves target dorsally with massive crushing force. Look for bone scoring and severe underlying tissue damage. |
| MOUNTAIN LION | Immobilize cervical spine. The characteristic ambush bite targets the occiput/high throat. A small puncture here often masks fatal spinal cord injury. |
| BEAR | Assess for blunt force trauma + laceration. Bears cause severe facial/scalp lacerations and skull fractures. Check for ear avulsions and concussions. |
🩸 STEP 2: CONTROL BLEEDING
- Firm direct pressure with clean cloth — hold 5 min without lifting
- Do not disturb clot once bleeding slows
- Tourniquet only if limb hemorrhage is life-threatening and transport is >30 min
💧 STEP 3: IRRIGATE ALL WOUNDS
| What to use | Saline, clean water, or 0.05% chlorhexidine |
| Tool | 35–60 mL syringe + 18g needle or splash tip |
| Volume | Minimum 250 mL per wound — more is better |
| Pressure | Moderate — do NOT use high-pressure hose |
| Do NOT use | H₂O₂, full-strength chlorhexidine scrub, iodine scrub |
💊 STEP 4: COVER AND PROTECT
- Moisten a non-adherent pad (Telfa) with saline, lay over wound
- Wrap with roll gauze, then cohesive bandage (Vetrap)
- Do NOT close or suture wounds in the field
- Deep wounds should be evaluated by a veterinarian, since improper packing or closure can interfere with drainage and increase the risk of complications
- Footpad wound: three-layer bandage, keep pad off bare ground
🐾 FOOTPAD INJURIES
| Partial thickness (surface intact) | Bandage and monitor; often heals without sutures |
| Full thickness (pad cut through) | Vet repair required — complication risk is significantly higher |
| Bandage layers | Non-adherent pad → padded gauze → cohesive outer |
| Change when | Daily, or immediately if wet or soiled |
⏱️ TIME WINDOWS
| Situation | Urgency |
|---|---|
| Arterial bleed / collapse / chest / bloat | Immediate — minutes matter |
| Bite wound irrigation | Within 1–2 hours of discovery |
| Wound closure by vet | early veterinary care can improve the chance of a better outcome |
| Antibiotic start after bite | Within 4–6 hours |
| Wet or soiled bandage change | Same day |
📋 FIELD KIT CHECKLIST
- Saline 500 mL bags or clean water
- 35–60 mL syringes + 18g needles
- Non-adherent dressings (Telfa)
- Roll gauze (4") × 4 rolls
- Cohesive bandage (Vetrap) × 4 rolls
- Blunt-tipped scissors
- Rectal thermometer
- Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Rx)
- Vet clinic:
- After-hours emergency: