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Shock is caused
by insufficient blood flow and oxygen to meet the body's needs. Adequate
blood flow requires many factors be in place. These factors include:
effective pumping of the heart, open and intact blood vessels, and
sufficient blood volume to maintain flow and pressure. Adequate
oxygenation requires and open respiratory tract and enough energy to
breathe. Any condition that adversely affects the circulatory or
respiratory systems can cause shock.
When in shock,
the dog will try to compensate inadequate oxygen and blood flow by
increasing the heart and respiratory rates, constricting the skin's
blood vessels and maintaining the fluid in circulation by reducing the
urinary output. These measures require additional energy at a time when
the vital organs aren't getting enough oxygen to carry out normal
activities. After a time, shock becomes self-perpetuating. Untreated,
shock results in death.
Common Causes
of Shock:
- Hemorrhage
- Heart Failure
- Anaphylactic
Reactions
- Dehydration
(Heat Stroke, Diarrhea or Vomiting)
- Poisoning
- Toxic Shock
associated with Massive Infections and Peritonitis
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Early Signs of
Shock include:
- Panting
- Rapid Heart
Rate
- Bounding Pulse
- Bright Red
Color to the Mucous Membranes
of the Lips, Gums and Tongue
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Late Signs of
Shock include:
- Pale Skin and
Mucous Membranes
- Drop in Body
Temperature
- Cold Feet and
Legs
- Slow
Respiratory Rate
- Apathy
- Depression
- Unconsciousness
- Weak or Absent
Pulse
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Treatment:
First evaluate. Is the dog breathing? Is there a heartbeat? What is the
extent of the dogs injuries? Is the dog in shock?
- If so, proceed
as follows:
- If the dog is
not breathing, proceed with Artificial
Respiration.
- If there is no
heartbeat or pulse, administer
CPR.
- If the dog is
unconscious, check to be sure the airway is open. Clear secretions
from the mouth with your fingers and a piece of cloth. Pull the tip
of the tongue forward beyond the front teeth to make it easier for
the dog to breathe. Keep the dog's head lower than his body by
placing a blanket beneath his hindquarters.
- If bleeding is
present, control the bleeding by using direct
pressure or by using a tourniquet,
if necessary.
- Wrap the dog
in a coat or blanket to provide warmth and to protect injured
extremities.
- Transport to a
veterinary hospital.
To avoid
aggravating the shock:
- Calm the dog
and speak soothingly.
- Allow the dog
to assume the most comfortable position in which breathing is
easiest. An animal will naturally adopt the position of least pain.
- When possible,
splint or support broken bones before moving the dog.
- All dogs that
are unconscious or found lying down after an accident must be
considered to have spinal cord injuries and should be handled
accordingly, making sure to not bend there backs any more than is
necessary. Utilize a firm flat surface to carry the animal with.
- Transport
large dogs on a flat surface or in a hammock stretcher. Carry small
dogs in a blanket with injured parts protected.
- Avoid using a
muzzle except for short periods, such as when moving the dog from
the scene of the accident into a car, or from a car into the
veterinary clinic. Muzzling can interfere with breathing.
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