Back

SEPTIC SHOCK

First broadcast on www.provet.co.uk  


This information is provided by Provet for educational purposes only.

You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Septic shock is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate, emergency treatment

The mortality rate in animals with septic shock has been estimated to be between 40-90% . The key to diagnosis is demonstration of a  neutropenia in the presence of sepsis, however neutropenia may be caused by other factors including :

  • Chemotherapy with myelosuppressive drugs
  • Neoplasia - haematopoietic system
  • Paraneoplastic syndromes
  • Immune disorders
  • Following splenectomy
  • In the presence of indwelling catheters (longstanding)
  • Malnutrition

Septic shock is a state in which there is circulatory collapse due to endotoxaemia or overwhelming sepsis. The commonest causes are enteric pathogens especially:

  • Gram-negative bacteria eg E.coli, Enterobacteriaceae,  Klebsiella spp Pseudomonas.
  • Gram-positive bacteria - Staphylococci spp
  • Fungi - Aspergillus , Candida

The vasoconstriction that results precipitates multiple organ failure with numerous complications including :

  • Increased vascular permeability :
    • Hyperviscosity of blood
    • Hypovolaemia
  • Liver failure
  • Acute renal failure
  • Gastrointestinal damage
  • Coagulopathies :
    • Thrombocytopenia
  • Neutropenia - under 500 cells/ml
  • Hypoinsulinaemia - causes hyperglycaemia then rebound hypoglycaemia

Clinical signs include :

  • Inappetance
  • Collapse
  • Pyrexia
  • Bright-red congested mucous membranes
  • Tachycardia
  • Sometimes pale mucous membranes
  • Rapid capillary refill

Septic shock is a potential complication following the administration of myelosuppressive drugs.

Treatment :

Urgent treatment is needed in neutropenic patients with pyrexia. Immediately institute :

  • Fluid replacement
  • Antibiotics - parenteral - based on identification, culture and sensitivity. An initial, rational choice would include Cefoxitin - which is effective against Gram-negative, Gram-positive and Anaerobic bacteria. 

Followed by 

  • Other treatments - depending on full physical and laboratory evaluation of the patient

 

Updated October 2013