The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice
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Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract. · Jul 2011
Respiratory complications in critical illness of small animals.
The percentage of emergency patients with respiratory problems treated at veterinary emergency and critical care facilities is poorly defined. Regardless of whether an animal has a primary lung disease or develops a secondary lung disease during hospitalization, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common sequela to the failing lung. ⋯ ARDS, acute lung injury, SIRS, sepsis, and MODS are serious syndromes with grave consequences. Understanding the pathophysiology and consequences of these syndromes is imperative to early recognition.
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Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract. · Jul 2011
ReviewCritical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency in small animals.
Critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) describes endocrine abnormalities associated with illness. CIRCI is characterized by an inadequate production of cortisol in relation to an increased demand during periods of severe stress, particularly in critical illnesses such as sepsis or septic shock. ⋯ Corticosteroid treatment can be indicated in patients with CIRCI. This article reviews the physiology and pathophysiology of the corticosteroid response to critical illness and the incidence, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of CIRCI.
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Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract. · Jul 2011
ReviewGoal-directed therapy in small animal critical illness.
Monitoring critically ill patients can be a daunting task even for experienced clinicians. Goal-directed therapy is a technique involving intensive monitoring and aggressive management of hemodynamics in patients with high risk of morbidity and mortality. ⋯ One example is early goal-directed therapy for severe sepsis and septic shock. The components and application of goals in early goal-directed therapy are discussed.
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Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract. · Jul 2011
ReviewDefects in coagulation encountered in small animal critical care.
Critically ill small animals are at risk for developing coagulation abnormalities. The processes of inflammation and coagulation are intertwined, and severe inflammation can lead to disturbances of coagulation. ⋯ Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of coagulation dysfunction are discussed. Defects in coagulation in small animal patients are complex and a consensus on diagnosis and treatment has yet to be reached.