Hypoxemia

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Sections available in full article Introduction, Presenting signs, Acute presentation, Geographic incidence, Age predisposition, Sex predisposition, Breed predisposition, Cost considerations, Special risks (e.g. anesthetic), Pathogenesis, Etiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Presenting problems, Client history, Clinical signs, Diagnostic investigation, Gross autopsy findings, Histopathology findings, Treatment, Initial symptomatic treatment, Subsequent management, Sequelae, Prognosis, Expected response to treatment, Reasons for treatment failure, Sources, Publications, Vetstream contributor(s),
Contributors Mr Graham Bilbrough MA VetMB MRCVS
Dr Mark Rondeau DVM DipACVIM(SAIM)

Introduction

  • Hypoxemia is defined as insufficient oxygenation of arterial blood necessary to meet metabolic requirements (often defined as PaO2 < 60-70 mm Hg) Arterial blood gas sampling. Animals suffering from hypoxemia will have inadequate oxygen supplies to their vital organs.
  • Multiple organ dysfunction Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) may occur if compensatory mechanisms are unable to return the arterial oxygen saturation to a normal level. Aggressive supportive treatment is required to prevent this complication while a definitive diagnosis is sought.
  • Hypoxemia often defined as SaO2 (arterial oxygen saturation) less than 90%.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs

  • Increased respiratory rate and effort.
  • Tachycardia, depression.
  • Cyanosis in severe cases.
  • Obtundation or coma.

Sequelae

Prognosis

  • Dependant on underlying disease.

Expected response to treatment

  • Response to supplemental oxygen therapy should be good except in cases with shunt or hemoglobin abnormality, however underlying disease and severity will affect the response dramatically.

Reasons for treatment failure

  • Multiple organ failure Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) as a result of prolonged hypoxemia.
  • Untreatable underlying disease.

Sources

Publications

Other sources of information

  • King L G (2004) Textbook of Respiratory Disease in Dogs and Cats. Saunders, St. Louis.
  • West J B (2000) Respiratory Physiology - The Essentials. 6th edn. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore.

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