Hypovolemic Shock in Dogs

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Hypovolemia is the state during which a dog's blood volume is decreased. It can occur because of blood loss or fluid loss from the cells. When the blood volume depletes to the point that the heart and brain can't get enough oxygen, the dog is in hypovolemic shock.

Hypovolemic shock in dogs is basically a collapse of the circulatory system.

What Causes Shock in Dogs?

Shock can be caused by a few different conditions:

• Blood loss, either internally or externally, caused by trauma such as being hit by a car.
• Severe bleeding into the GI tract from certain medications, cancer, or a problem that decreases platelets (thrombocytopenia) or interferes with their function.
• Severe bleeding from the nose (epistaxis) can lead to shock. It can be caused by nasal infection, cancer, or thrombocytopenia.
• Internal blood loss caused by ingesting rat or mouse poison or another cause of coagulation dysfunction.
• Extreme fluid loss from a bad burn or severe vomiting and diarrhea.

Signs of Shock in Dogs

Signs that indicate a dog may be suffering from hypovolemic shock include:

• Increased heart rate (may become decreased as the condition progresses)
• Low blood pressure
• Difficult to find pulses
• Fast breathing
• Cool or cold paws
• Weakness
• Low temperature
• Pale mucous membranes
• Depression
• Collapse

As the condition progresses, signs of multiple organ function appear.

Diagnosis of Shock in Dogs

Diagnosis of shock is made mainly through a physical exam that reveals signs of circulatory collapse (including increased respiratory rate, low blood pressure, pale membranes, and weakness).

Blood work, x-rays, coagulation tests, and other testing can help narrow down the primary cause of the hypovolemic shock.

Treatment of Shock in Dogs

Dogs that are suffering from shock must be hospitalized in a veterinary clinic for aggressive, intensive care. IV fluid therapy will be initiated to help build up the volume in the circulatory system, and an electrolyte solution will help stabilize the blood.

Oxygen therapy is also necessary to help compensate for the loss of oxygen to the tissues due to poor circulation.

Once the dog is stable, the primary condition which caused the shock must be treated. The prognosis depends on how treatable that condition is.

Other types of shock in dogs include septic, anaphylactic, and cardiogenic.

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Septic Shock in Dogs

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