Changes

Mucous membrane colour and moisture and capillary refil time (CRT) can be assessed to appreciate the severity of haemodynamic compromise. A reduced skin tent indicates dehydration. The normal colour is pale pink and the CRT is 1 to 2 seconds. The gingival mucous membranes change from pink and moist to red and dry as the circulating blood volume decreases. Reddening of the mucous membranes indicates haemoconcentration and worsens as the patient goes into shock. Reddening reflects worse prognosis, and cyanotic membranes indicate a very poor chance of a positive outcome as it it indicates that the horse is in endotoxic shock. The CRT will be prolonged with dehydration and endotoxaemia. A reduced skin tent indicates dehydration.

Mucous membrane colour and moisture and capillary refil time (CRT) can be assessed to appreciate the severity of haemodynamic compromise. A reduced skin tent indicates dehydration. The normal colour is pale pink and the CRT is 1 to 2 seconds. The gingival mucous membranes change from pink and moist to red and dry as the circulating blood volume decreases. Reddening of the mucous membranes indicates haemoconcentration and worsens as the patient goes into shock. Reddening reflects worse prognosis, and cyanotic membranes indicate a very poor chance of a positive outcome as it it indicates that the horse is in endotoxic shock. The CRT will be prolonged with dehydration and endotoxaemia. A reduced skin tent indicates dehydration.

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