Corrin Boyd

Hypovolemic shock is a common problem in small animal emergency medicine. It occurs when a decrease in circulating blood volume decreases cardiac output and impairs oxygen delivery to the tissues. Hypovolemic shock is immediately life‐threatening if untreated. Furthermore, delayed or inadequate treatment can lead to subsequent complications. The emergency clinician should rapidly assess all emergency patients for hypovolemic shock using physical examination parameters. Monitoring equipment, laboratory tests, and diagnostic imaging are also a useful adjunct in assessment of hypovolemic shock. This chapter will also briefly cover fluid resuscitation options and endpoint goals for hypovolemic shock.