An animal model for the study of hemorrhagic shock from abdominal trauma in children

Trauma is the most frequent cause of death in children over one year of age, and liver laceration secondary to blunt abdominal injury is frequently the major cause of hemorrhagic shock. In the current study, we have developed an animal model for the study of hemorrhagic liver lacerations in childhood. Using puppies six to 12 weeks of age, and three to nine kilograms in weight, we have been able to reliably produce shock (89%) without an excessive initial mortality rate (11%). The animals experienced a decrease in mean arterial pressure to 50% of the baseline level within 1.3 to eight minutes after the injury. This model will permit the study of various methods of resuscitation from blunt abdominal trauma in future experiments. Language: en