ABSTRACT
The study of gram-negative sepsis and endotoxemia has been substantially contributed to our understanding of the pathophysiology of both sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome. The most common sepsis source in small animals is gram-negative enteric bacteria. Studies have demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide can also trigger clinical signs of sepsis in the absence of live bacteria. Gram-positive sepsis is not typically associated with a fulminant inflammatory response as seen with gram-negative sepsis; however, recent reports describe an acute inflammatory response associated with streptococcus fasciitis in the dog. Tissue hypoxia can result from inadequate oxygen delivery or defects in oxygen utilization. It has been recently recognized that hypoxia can alter gene expression, including expression of inflammatory mediators. The diagnosis of sepsis is confirmed if there is a known infection source in an animal exhibiting the signs of sepsis and systemic inflammatory response.
