Shock
Shock is caused by a sudden decrease in blood pressure due to loss of circulatory control or fluid loss. It can occur anytime an animal experiences a traumatic injury, overwhelming infection, extreme environmental changes, etc. It is very serious and can lead to death if left untreated.

Signs/Symptoms

1. Animal's gums are often blue/grey or pale/white, rather than pink.
2. Animal may be having trouble breathing or is panting.
3. Animal's heart rate is often elevated (feel the lower part o fthe chest behind the left elbow):
a) Greater than 140 beats/min. (in medium and large breed dogs.)
b) Greater than 160 beats/min. (in small dogs)
c) Greater than 240 beats/min (in cats)
4. Animal's rectal temperature may be less than 100 degrees F or greater than 104 degrees F. (Take the animal's temperature with a rectal thermometer. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the tip of the thermometer before inserting it into the rectum. Leave it in at least 2 minutes before checking. The normal temperature range for both dogs and cats is approximately 100.5 degrees F to 102.5)
5. Animal is often too weak to walk; may stumble when attempting to rise or walk.

Treatment

1. Make sure the animal's airway is clear of any dirt, vomit, foreign objects, etc.
2. Perform CPR if the animal experiences cardiac or repiratory arrest (see Cardiac/Respiratory arrest)
3. If the animal's temperature is subnormal (below 100 degrees F) wrap the animal in blankets, towels or a coat to warm it.
4. If the animal's temperature is greater than 104 degrees F, cool the animal by applying rubbing alchol to the animal's footpads or wrapping the animal's footpads in a towel soaked in cool water. Stop cooling the animal when its temperature reaches 103 degress F. Do not overcool.
5. Transport the animal to a veterinarian as soon as possible. (see Moving and Injured Cat, Moving an Injured Dog.)