In Practice 27:16-28 (2005)
© 2005 British Veterinary Association
Differential diagnosis of collapse in the dog
1. Aetiology and investigation
JON WRAY
COLLAPSE is a challenging clinical sign to investigate in dogs due to the very large number of potential
causes. It may occur acutely, episodically or may be the end result of more chronic debilitation associated
with one or more of a wide variety of critical illnesses. This article, the first in a series of three, reviews
the mechanisms by which acute or episodic collapse may occur in the dog and outlines an approach to
the investigation of collapse. Part 2, to be published in the February issue of In Practice, will discuss
neuromuscular causes of acute or episodic collapse, while Part 3, to be published in the March issue,
will describe cardiovascular and other miscellaneous causes of collapse.
Copyright © 2005 British Veterinary Association