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

Abstract

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

ACVECC‐Veterinary Committee on Trauma registry report 2017–2019

“…Multiple projects utilizing the Vet-COT trauma registry have been published to date. [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Additionally, the trauma registry provides trauma centers with information that can…”

“…One objective for this report is to provide a summary of registry data to inform additional research questions that may ultimately lead to improved trauma patient outcomes. Multiple projects utilizing the VetCOT trauma registry have been published to date 10–18 . Additionally, the trauma registry provides trauma centers with information that can lead to data‐driven planning and implementing Performance Improvement Patient Safety plans.…”

“…At the time of writing, 17 projects have been approved to utilize registry data, over 20 abstracts presented at local, national, and international conferences, and many manuscripts have been published (n = 8) or accepted for publication (n = 4). [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Based on feedback from VTC leads, data entry personnel (DEP), Vet-COT conference attendees, and clinical researchers utilizing trauma registry data, an updated version (2.0) of the trauma registry's data dictionary was implemented on April 1, 2017. These modifications were targeted to improve data quality, streamline data entry processes, reduce "other" categories, and expand patient data being collected for subsequent analysis.…”

“…Since 2013, an increasing number of VTCs have joined the veterinary trauma network contributing to the registry, ultimately forming a database that contains over 55,000 trauma cases through December 2021. At the time of writing, 17 projects have been approved to utilize registry data, over 20 abstracts presented at local, national, and international conferences, and many manuscripts have been published ( n = 8) or accepted for publication ( n = 4) 10–18 …”

Canine Euthanasia’s Trend Analysis during Thirty Years (1990–2020) in Italy: A Veterinary Hospital as Case Study

“…"Old age" is considered a primary risk factor for euthanasia [11][12][13]. In modern society, the heightened focus on animals leads to a greater emphasis on their well-being, even during the geriatric phase of their lives [14][15][16]. Euthanasia is often viewed as a compassionate act aimed at alleviating unnecessary suffering in animals, regardless of their age [17].…”