THE RELATION OF SERUM POTASSIUM TO SHOCK IN DOGS SUBJECTED TO MUSCLE TRAUMA

Abstract

Serum K detns. were done in 40 dogs in which shock was produced by muscle trauma. The appearance of the signs of shock was not associated with a rise in serum K. An appreciable rise in serum K was observed only in the hr. preceding death. In this series, the av. value of serum K at death was 9.1 m. eq. as compared with a control value of 4.6 m. eq./l. Hyperpotassemia in traumatic shock is a terminal event and probably related to certain tissue changes that precede death.