SUMMARY
“Shock” is a dynamic and complex syndrome; the focus of therapy and monitoring is oxygen
delivery. To improve oxygen content component of oxygen delivery we might administer
oxygen or hemoglobin in the form of packed red blood cells or whole blood. To improve the
cardiac output component, we might administer fluids in the form of crystalloids, or colloids,
which, in turn, improves preload. Drug therapy may also be needed to improve contractility,
heart rate and in some cases reduce afterload. By improving cardiac output and systemic
vascular resistance we also improve the patient’s blood pressure. Having a basic
understanding of the pathophysiologic and compensatory mechanism of this complex
syndrome will aid the veterinary technician in meeting therapeutic and monitoring goals.