References
Anaesthesia for the patient with hypovolaemia resulting from acute blood loss
Abstract
Patients will often present to the veterinary practice in a hypovolaemic state secondary to haemorrhage, and are at an increased anaesthetic risk owing to multiple physiological changes and/or injuries. This article discusses the main concerns associated with anaesthetising the hypovolaemic patient. It looks at patient assessment and preparation, the considerations that need to be made when designing an anaesthesia and analgesia plan, and the importance of excellent post anaesthetic monitoring.
Emergency anaesthesia can be very challenging for the veterinary team. Patients presenting with acute blood loss cause concern regarding cardiovascular and respiratory function, and the ability to perfuse tissue appropriately. An anaesthesia protocol and use of checklists will help to minimise some of these potential complications, while also ensuring the team is well prepared for the unexpected.
Shock is a syndrome which requires careful assessment and rapid treatment. Shock occurs as a result of inadequate cellular energy production or the inability of the body to supply cells and tissues with oxygen and nutrients, and remove waste products.
Shock can be categorised as hypovolaemic, cardiogenic, distributive and/or obstructive. Hypovolaemic shock is one of the most common categories of shock seen in veterinary practice (Pachtinger, 2014).
In hypovolaemic shock, perfusion is impaired as a result of an ineffective circulating blood volume. This hypovolaemia can be relative or absolute.
In relative hypovolaemia, the fluid from the circulatory system does not leave the body. This means that the blood volume is normal but the patient is hypovolaemic as a result of widespread vasodilation. This may be owing to various factors such as disease or anaesthesia.
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