TOURNIQUET SHOCK IN THE RABBIT

Abstract

Shock was produced in the rabbit by occlusion of the circulation in the hind legs. After 2 hr. occlusion at room temp., the survival time after tourniquet release was 3.8 [plus or minus] 0.6 hrs.; after 5 hr. occlusion it was 1.7 [plus or minus] 0.4 hr. Thus a technique with predictable results is offered for the study of shock. Tourniquet shock in the rabbit is not due to loss of fluid in the ligated legs. Chilling the tourniqueted legs more than tripled the avg. survival time in most expts.; in the remainder death was delayed as much as 24 hrs. Dehydration and previous fasting did not affect the survival time.