Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 June 2012
In spite of extensive research, the question of fluid therapy for hemorrhagic shock is still controversial. Certain drawbacks in the experimental models are among the reasons for this controversy. These drawbacks are mainly related to the animal species used, to the way the shock insult is initiated and to the effects of deep anesthesia on the response to shock.
Dogs were used in more than 90% of shock studies—although their response to bleeding is different from the human response. The dog has a large, contractile spleen, which can modify its cardiovascular response to bleeding.