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Hypovolaemic Shock
Emergency and Critical CareAll SpeciesNew
Key Points
  • Hypovolaemic shock is a life-threatening emergency caused by a reduction in effective circulating volume, leading to inadequate tissue perfusion
  • It can result from haemorrhagic or non-haemorrhagic causes
  • Compensatory shock typically presents with tachycardia, pale mucous membranes and normal blood pressure
  • Decompensatory shock presents with hypotension, obtunded mentation and weak pulses
  • Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and assessment of perfusion parameters
  • Fluid resuscitation is the mainstay of treatment
  • Failure to recognise and treat hypovolaemic shock can result in irreversible cellular injury, multi-organ failure and death
Differential Diagnoses
  1. Distributive shock
  2. Obstructive shock
  3. Cardiogenic shock
Overview
Aetiology
Clinical Signs
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Resources
Overview

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Aetiology

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Clinical Signs

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Diagnosis

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Treatment

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Prevention

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Resources

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Educational content only. This factsheet is for general veterinary education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Not for use in an emergency — contact a veterinarian or emergency service. Full disclaimer →