Treating shock after an injury
Shock is a life-threatening medical condition wherein the dog's body has an inadequate flow of blood to the body's tissues, which can cause major damage to organs. A dog in shock needs to get medical help immediately, as shock can worsen rapidly and even kill the dog.
What causes shock?The most common cause of shock in dogs is body trauma, e.g., being hit by a car or fighting. These events can cause heavy internal and/or external bleeding that results in low blood volume. This condition is called hypoglycemic shock.Other types of shock include cardiogenic shock, caused by heart failure; anaphylactic shock, caused by allergic reactions to insect stings, food, etc.; septic shock, caused by various infections; and neurogenic shock, caused by damage to the nervous system. Excessive fluid loss due to diarrhea or vomiting is another classic cause of shock, as is an obstruction of the airway, which can be caused by choking or an illness such as pneumonia. No matter what causes the shock, however, it is a life-threatening condition and it is crucial that the dog receive immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of shockA dog in shock has an extremely low blood pressure. He may show any or all of the following symptoms:
Early stages
Middle stages
Late stages
How to treat a dog in shockSuccessful treatment begins with quick recognition of the condition, immediate initiation of treatment, and rapid transport to a veterinarian for proper treatment.A dog in shock should be kept as quiet as possible. Position him so that his head is slightly lower than his body, and cover him with a light blanket or towel to preserve body heat. First aid procedures should include the following (where appropriate):
Shock treatment: What not to doSome first aid procedures might seem helpful to a frantic dog owner, but, in fact, may actually harm the dog.
Source: Adapted from the Veterinary Information Network |
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Treating shock after an injury



