Septic Shock and Prognosis in Dogs and Cats With Sepsis-Consensus Definition and Clinical Criteria.

Early identification of septic shock using lactate, blood pressure, and organ dysfunction scoring improves canine sepsis outcomes.

This consensus-based systematic review aimed to define septic shock in dogs and cats and identify clinical and clinicopathologic markers predictive of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and mortality. The authors conducted a systematic review of existing veterinary literature on sepsis in small animals, establishing a definition of septic shock as a subset of sepsis characterized by cardiovascular instability and metabolic abnormalities reflecting impaired tissue perfusion despite adequate fluid resuscitation. Key clinical manifestations include hyperlactatemia, persistent hypotension, and progressive organ dysfunction. For canine patients, the authors recommend using validated organ dysfunction and illness severity scoring systems alongside objective physiologic parameters. Specific biomarkers highlighted include lactate and ionized calcium as primary clinical tools, with additional value attributed to CBC and serum biochemistry profiles. When available, serial measurement of protein C and antithrombin activity, along with acute phase proteins and cytokine concentrations, are recommended to enhance prognostic accuracy. The evidence base for feline septic shock was notably more limited, restricting the strength of recommendations for cats. The work emphasizes that early recognition of deteriorating clinical status is critical for timely intervention and improved outcomes. This consensus document provides a framework for standardizing septic shock identification in veterinary emergency and critical care settings, facilitating both clinical decision-making and future research by establishing common definitions and diagnostic criteria across species.

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