• Pelvic fractures in MWDs in deployed settings will most likely be due to crush or blast injury (See CPG 12). Evaluate the pelvis for external evidence of trauma or deformity.
  • The major joints involving the pelvis are the coxofemoral (hip) and sacroiliac (lower back) joints. Fractures or dislocations of these bones and joints are fairly common. A tip off for joint dislocation is asymmetry. Carefully palpate the hip joints and lower back for swelling, pain, or deformity that suggests joint injury. Move the limbs carefully through their range of motion while palpating the hip area and lower back to evaluate hip luxation.
  • Trauma to adjacent structures such as the rectum, descending colon, urinary bladder, urethra, and reproductive organs is a concern. Evaluate the inguinal area and external genitalia for evidence of trauma or herniation. Fractures of the pelvic floor commonly cause asymmetry, swelling, and bruising in the inguinal region. Hidden internal injury due to fractures (e.g., urethra, urinary bladder, prostate, vagina) is difficult to detect. Assess neurologic input to the anus by pinching the skin around the anus with hemostatic forceps—the expected response is sudden tightening of the anal sphincter.
  • Examine external genitalia for trauma. Carefully perform a digital rectal exam with a well-lubricated finger to assess for bleeding and injury to the urogenital structures in the pelvic canal, and to palpate for pelvic fractures.
  • Manage pelvic fractures by confining the MWD to its kennel or to a small space, limiting movement to short, frequent, handler-controlled leash walks using a towel or other material passed beneath the abdomen to provide support when walking, and adequate analgesia (See CPG 16).