What is the Animal Trauma Triage (ATT) score?

The ATT score is a rapid physiological assessment tool for traumatized dogs and cats. It evaluates 6 parameters (respiratory effort, heart rate, capillary refill, mentation, body temperature, and structural integrity) each scored 0–3, for a total of 0–18.

What ATT score indicates a poor prognosis?

Scores of 12 or higher indicate a poor prognosis with high mortality risk. Scores of 9–11 suggest guarded prognosis. Lower scores (0–5) correlate with better outcomes when appropriate care is provided promptly.

Should ATT replace a full physical exam?

No. ATT is a triage and monitoring tool designed for rapid assessment. A full physical exam, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory workup are still essential for comprehensive trauma evaluation.

Animal Trauma Triage Score | ATT

Safety checks

This tool supports triage and education only.
It does not replace clinical judgment or emergency intervention.
Never delay ABC stabilization to complete scoring.
ATT is most useful for serial monitoring and prognosis, not as a sole triage decision tool.
Verify decisions with current emergency and critical care references.

Basis and limits

Basis: Animal Trauma Triage (ATT) score, adapted from human trauma scoring for veterinary emergency medicine.
Score range: 0–18 (6 parameters × 0–3 points each).
Interpretation: 0–2 excellent; 3–5 good; 6–8 fair; 9–11 guarded; 12+ poor prognosis.
Scope: physiological triage tool. Does not account for penetrating injuries, burns, or specific wound severity beyond general structural integrity.

Related tools

Animal trauma triage score