Monitoring Procedures for the Critically Ill Animal: Introduction

The key to successful management of critically ill small animals is anticipation, not reaction. Animals must be aggressively treated and actively monitored to detect organ compromise before organ failure occurs. Resuscitation, support, and stabilization of the animal for extended periods are often necessary before or throughout the course of definitive therapy.

Tissue hypoxia and organ compromise or failure can be a direct result of the primary disease or can be secondary to the disease or its therapy. Organs frequently affected include the heart and blood vessels, kidneys, lungs, GI tract, and liver. When the disease process is multisystemic, problems such as malnutrition and coagulopathies must be anticipated. Optimal care requires a thorough and methodical approach to diagnostic procedures, monitoring, specific therapeutics, and supportive care.