Pediatric critical care medicine: Physiologic considerations

Data on critical care of pediatric and neonatal veterinary patients are spa rse. Physical examination differs from that of adult animals, and recognizi ng abnormal physiologic values is crucial for accurate assessment. In addit ion, laboratory and radiographic data and fluid and drug therapy can differ substantially between neonates and adults. Variations in hemodynamic param eters in neonatal and pediatric patients make assessing and monitoring illn ess challenging. An awareness of their unique homeostasis aids in diagnosis and successful treatment.