# RECOVER CPR Guidelines: Updates and Practical Implementation


## Key Takeaways

- The 2024 RECOVER CPR guidelines supersede previous recommendations, emphasizing evidence-based practices derived from a modified GRADE system and expert consensus.
- High-dose epinephrine is no longer recommended; standard-dose epinephrine is the primary vasopressor, with dosing intervals dictated by arrest rhythm and patient response.
- Bag-mask ventilation is preferred over endotracheal intubation in early basic life support (BLS) to minimize interruptions in chest compressions, which are critical for maintaining perfusion.
- Waveform capnography is the preferred method for confirming airway placement and monitoring compression quality, with a target ETCO2 of >15 mmHg indicating adequate cardiac output and a rise above 30 mmHg suggesting return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).
- Utstein-style reporting is recommended for standardizing arrest documentation, facilitating internal quality review, and enabling comparison with published benchmarks.
- Cats demonstrate higher odds of ROSC and survival to hospital discharge compared to dogs, a factor to consider in prognostic discussions and internal quality improvement programs.

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Cardiopulmonary arrest in dogs and cats carries a historically grave prognosis, yet the quality of resuscitation efforts measurably influences outcomes. The Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) initiative published its first evidence-based CPR guidelines in 2012, and the 2024 update now supersedes those recommendations. This article summarizes the scientific foundation of the updated guidelines, the specific changes to basic life support (BLS), advanced life support (ALS), and periarrest monitoring, and the practical steps required to implement them in a clinical setting. It serves the practicing veterinarian who must translate consensus recommendations into team protocols, drug selection, and real-time decision-making during an arrest.

The 2024 guidelines were generated using a modified Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system, with 40 worksheets addressing questions across BLS, ALS, and monitoring, yielding 90 individual treatment recommendations [2024 RECOVER Guidelines: Updated treatment recommendations for CPR in dogs and cats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38924627/). The evidence base draws on systematic literature searches, expert consensus, and a four-week open comment period for veterinary professionals. Where evidence was limited or conflicting, the writing group explicitly graded the strength of each recommendation, allowing clinicians to distinguish firm mandates from conditional suggestions.

## At a Glance

| Parameter | 2024 RECOVER Position | Clinical Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Epinephrine dosing | High-dose no longer recommended | Use standard-dose epinephrine, repeat intervals defined by arrest rhythm |
| Atropine | Single administration only if used | Repeat dosing not supported by evidence |
| Ventilation | Bag-mask ventilation preferred over intubation in early BLS | Prioritize chest compressions, delay intubation to minimize interruptions |
| Compression rate | Target range per RECOVER BLS algorithm | Use metronome or audible timer to maintain rate |
| Compression depth | One-third to one-half chest width | Verify by palpation or capnography waveform |
| Monitoring | Capnography is the preferred confirmation of airway and perfusion | Waveform capnography guides compression quality and ROSC detection |
| Outcome reporting | Utstein-style criteria recommended | Standardize arrest documentation for internal quality review |
| Species differences | Cats show higher odds of ROSC and discharge than dogs | Prognostic discussions should reflect species-specific data |

## The 2024 Guideline Development Process

The RECOVER writing group structured its evidence review around Population, Intervention, Comparator, and Outcome (PICO) questions, a framework borrowed from human evidence-based medicine. Each PICO question generated a systematic literature search, followed by evidence extraction, quality assessment, and translation into treatment recommendations [2024 RECOVER Guidelines: Updated treatment recommendations for CPR in dogs and cats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38924627/). The GRADE approach assigns recommendations as strong or weak based on the certainty of evidence and the balance of benefits versus harms. Clinicians should therefore read each recommendation in context: a strong recommendation reflects high confidence that the intervention does more good than harm, while a weak recommendation acknowledges genuine uncertainty.

The 2024 update also incorporated prospective outcome data collected after the 2012 guidelines were implemented. One observational study at a U.S. veterinary teaching hospital prospectively enrolled 172 dogs and 47 cats that experienced cardiopulmonary arrest and received CPR [Prospective Evaluation of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Performed in Dogs and Cats According to the RECOVER Guidelines. Part 1: Prognostic Factors According to Utstein-Style Reporting](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31788482/). Multivariable logistic regression evaluated twenty hospital, animal, and arrest variables against three outcomes: any return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), sustained ROSC, and survival to hospital discharge. Cats had significantly higher odds of achieving any ROSC and surviving to discharge than dogs. These species-specific differences inform both prognostic discussions with owners and the design of internal quality improvement programs.

## Physiology of Arrest and Resuscitation

Cardiopulmonary arrest produces a cascade of tissue hypoxia, hypercapnia, and progressive metabolic acidosis. The heart may arrest in ventricular fibrillation, pulseless ventricular tachycardia, asystole, or pulseless electrical activity, and the underlying rhythm determines the response to defibrillation and drug therapy. Chest compressions generate cardiac output through two mechanisms: the cardiac pump, where direct compression of the ventricles ejects blood, and the thoracic pump, where increased intrathoracic pressure drives venous return and forward flow. Both mechanisms depend on adequate compression depth, rate, and recoil, and interruptions to compressions rapidly degrade coronary and cerebral perfusion pressure.

The 2024 guidelines emphasize minimizing hands-off time above all other interventions. Every pause in compressions, whether for intubation, drug administration, or rhythm assessment, reduces the likelihood of ROSC. This physiological reality underpins the updated recommendation to defer endotracheal intubation in favor of bag-mask ventilation during the initial phase of BLS [2024 RECOVER Guidelines: Updated treatment recommendations for CPR in dogs and cats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38924627/). A patent airway with effective bag-mask ventilation delivers adequate oxygenation while allowing compressions to continue nearly uninterrupted.

## Changes to Drug Therapy

The most consequential pharmacologic change in the 2024 update is the elimination of high-dose epinephrine. Previous guidelines permitted escalating doses for refractory arrest, but the evidence review found no benefit to high-dose therapy and identified potential harm from excessive alpha-adrenergic stimulation, including worsened myocardial oxygen demand and post-ROSC arrhythmias [2024 RECOVER Guidelines: Updated treatment recommendations for CPR in dogs and cats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38924627/). Standard-dose epinephrine remains the primary vasopressor, administered at intervals defined by the arrest rhythm and the patient's response.

Atropine is now limited to a single administration if used at all. The prior recommendation for repeat dosing was not supported by the evidence, and the writing group concluded that repeated anticholinergic administration adds no measurable benefit while consuming valuable time during the compression cycle [2024 RECOVER Guidelines: Updated treatment recommendations for CPR in dogs and cats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38924627/). Clinicians should consult current formulary references for specific doses and intervals, as the guidelines intentionally avoid prescribing universal milligram-per-kilogram values.

## Monitoring and Outcome Assessment

Waveform capnography is the single most informative monitor during CPR. It confirms endotracheal tube placement, reflects the quality of compressions through the magnitude of the waveform, and provides an early indicator of ROSC when the waveform rises abruptly without a change in compression effort. The 2024 guidelines recommend capnography as the preferred method for confirming airway placement and for monitoring perfusion during compressions [2024 RECOVER Guidelines: Updated treatment recommendations for CPR in dogs and cats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38924627/). When capnography is unavailable, the team should rely on a combination of mucous membrane color, pulse palpation, and auscultation, while recognizing the limitations of each.

Utstein-style reporting provides a standardized framework for documenting arrest events and outcomes. The RECOVER guidelines and the prospective outcome study both use this system, which defines consistent criteria for arrest recognition, CPR initiation, ROSC, and survival to discharge [Prospective Evaluation of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Performed in Dogs and Cats According to the RECOVER Guidelines. Part 1: Prognostic Factors According to Utstein-Style Reporting](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31788482/). Practices that adopt Utstein-style documentation can compare their outcomes against published benchmarks and identify specific weaknesses in their resuscitation protocols.

## Team Structure and Role Assignment

Effective CPR requires predefined roles assigned before arrest occurs. The 2024 RECOVER guidelines emphasize that role clarity reduces time to first compression and limits errors during resuscitation. In a minimum team of four, assign one individual to compressions, one to airway and ventilation, one to drug administration and vascular access, and one to documentation and timekeeping. Larger teams allow a dedicated compressor rotation coordinator and a team leader who does not perform procedures.

The team leader directs the resuscitation, announces rhythm checks, and decides when to transition between BLS and ALS phases. The documentation officer records every drug, dose, defibrillation attempt, and rhythm check on a standardized form. This record supports both clinical decision-making during the arrest and the structured debrief afterward.

Smaller practices with two or three staff members must prioritize compressions and ventilation above all other tasks. Drug administration and monitoring are secondary until additional personnel arrive. Pre-assigned role cards or a wall-mounted CPR algorithm poster reduce hesitation during the first 60 seconds of arrest.

## Equipment Readiness and the Crash Cart

A dedicated CPR cart or kit should be checked at the start of each shift. The cart must contain airway supplies in sizes appropriate for the practice's typical patient population, intravenous catheters, a selection of crystalloid fluids, epinephrine, atropine, vasopressin, and reversal agents for common anesthetic drugs. A defibrillator with internal and external paddles or hands-free pads must be available and tested weekly.

The 2024 guidelines recommend against high-dose epinephrine, so the cart should carry only standard-dose epinephrine in pre-filled syringes or single-dose vials. Atropine, if used, is administered once per arrest, which simplifies inventory and reduces the risk of dosing errors during high-stress events. A printable drug calculation chart attached to the cart lid allows rapid weight-based dosing without mental arithmetic.

Capnography is mandatory equipment for arrest management. A sidestream or mainstream capnograph with an audible alarm for apnea and a numeric display for end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) must be attached to the endotracheal tube immediately after intubation. The cart should include a backup capnograph in case the primary unit fails.

## The BLS-ALS Integration Algorithm

The 2024 RECOVER guidelines restructure the arrest algorithm around continuous, high-quality compressions with minimal interruption. The following sequence represents the practical integration of BLS and ALS phases.

| Phase | Actions | Duration or Frequency | Transition Criteria |
|-------|---------|----------------------|---------------------|
| Recognition | Confirm unresponsiveness, apnea, absent pulses | Under 10 seconds | Arrest confirmed, begin compressions |
| BLS initiation | Start compressions at 100 to 120 per minute, depth one-third of chest width, allow full chest recoil | Continuous | Intubation or vascular access achieved |
| Airway | Intubate, confirm placement with capnography, ventilate at 10 breaths per minute | Under 30 seconds | ETCO2 waveform present |
| Rhythm assessment | Pause compressions briefly, assess rhythm via ECG or defibrillator pads | Under 10 seconds | Shockable rhythm identified |
| Defibrillation | Deliver one shock, resume compressions immediately | Under 5 seconds | Shock delivered |
| Drug administration | Give epinephrine every 3 to 5 minutes, atropine once if indicated | During compressions | Rhythm reassessment every 2 minutes |
| Reassessment | Check rhythm and pulse quality every 2 minutes | 2-minute cycles | ROSC or termination decision |

Compressions continue during drug administration and ventilation. The only indications for prolonged interruption are defibrillation and rhythm assessment. The 2024 guidelines specify a compression rate of 100 to 120 per minute with a depth of one-third of the chest width in both dogs and cats. Full chest recoil between compressions is essential for venous return and coronary perfusion pressure.

## Monitoring Parameters During Resuscitation

ETCO2 is the primary monitoring parameter during CPR. A value below 15 mmHg indicates poor cardiac output and suggests that compression quality or rate requires adjustment. A sudden rise in ETCO2 above 30 mmHg often signals return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and should prompt a pulse check. Capnography also confirms endotracheal tube placement, as a flat waveform with compressions indicates esophageal intubation.

The 2024 guidelines recommend against routine use of high-dose epinephrine based on evidence of worse outcomes. Standard-dose epinephrine is administered every 3 to 5 minutes during arrest. Atropine is given once, if used at all, because repeated dosing has not demonstrated benefit and may increase myocardial oxygen demand. Vasopressin remains an option in refractory arrest, though the evidence base is limited.

Blood gas analysis during arrest is rarely practical and does not change immediate management. Point-of-care lactate measurement after ROSC provides prognostic information but does not guide intra-arrest decisions. Pulse oximetry is unreliable during low-flow states and should not be used to assess oxygenation during compressions.

## Post-Resuscitation Care and the Debrief Checklist

After ROSC, the patient transitions to post-cardiac arrest care, which requires immediate reassessment of perfusion, oxygenation, and neurologic status. The following checklist structures this phase and the subsequent team debrief.

Post-resuscitation checklist:
- Confirm airway patency and endotracheal tube position with capnography
- Measure blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate every 5 minutes for the first hour
- Obtain venous or arterial blood gas, lactate, and glucose
- Begin oxygen supplementation to maintain SpO2 above 94 percent
- Assess for arrhythmias with continuous ECG monitoring
- Evaluate neurologic status with mentation and brainstem reflex assessment
- Consider mechanical ventilation if spontaneous ventilation is inadequate
- Recheck perfusion parameters after each fluid bolus

The team debrief occurs within 24 hours of the arrest event. The documentation officer presents the timeline, drug doses, and rhythm checks. The team discusses what went well, what delayed care, and what equipment or training gaps contributed to any errors. Debriefs should focus on systems and processes instead of individual performance. Practices that conduct regular debriefs after every arrest, regardless of outcome, show measurable improvement in subsequent resuscitation quality.

The 2024 guidelines note that survival to discharge in dogs and cats remains low, with cats showing higher odds of achieving ROSC and survival than dogs in one prospective evaluation of RECOVER-based CPR. This finding supports species-specific discussion with owners during pre-arrest counseling and reinforces the importance of documenting arrest circumstances and outcomes using standardized reporting.

## Recognized Complications and Early Detection

Resuscitation attempts fail through predictable mechanisms. The most consequential is unrecognised endotracheal tube malposition, which produces absent or asymmetric breath sounds, absent capnographic waveform, and progressive hypoxemia despite apparently adequate ventilation. Detection requires immediate verification by direct visualization, capnography, and auscultation before any other intervention proceeds.

Chest wall trauma from compressions occurs in a substantial proportion of survivors. Iatrogenic pneumothorax, rib fracture, and pulmonary contusion are detected by sudden deterioration in compliance, asymmetric thoracic excursion, or a falling SpO₂ with a rising airway pressure. Thoracic ultrasound or radiography confirms the diagnosis, and needle thoracocentesis is therapeutic when tension physiology develops.

Reperfusion injury after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) manifests as arrhythmias, hypotension, and worsening neurological status. The 2024 RECOVER guidelines emphasize continuous periarrest monitoring because these complications often appear within minutes of ROSC, not hours ([2024 RECOVER Guidelines: Updated treatment recommendations for CPR in dogs and cats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38924627/)). Serial lactate measurement, electrocardiography, and blood pressure trending detect deterioration before clinical signs become obvious.

Abdominal complications, including splenic rupture and gastric dilatation, are less common but carry high mortality. Unexplained hypotension after ROSC, a falling packed cell volume, or progressive abdominal distension should prompt focused abdominal ultrasound.

## Common Errors and Corrective Actions

Less experienced clinicians consistently interrupt compressions for tasks that can be performed concurrently. Pulse checks, drug administration, and rhythm assessment should not halt chest compressions for more than 10 seconds. The corrective action is a dedicated timekeeper who counts compression cycles aloud and calls out any pause exceeding the threshold.

Ventilation errors cluster around rate and volume. Excessive ventilation rates cause gastric insufflation, reduced venous return, and decreased coronary perfusion pressure. The 2024 guidelines specify a ventilation rate of 10 breaths per minute during CPR, with bag-mask ventilation reserved for patients without an advanced airway ([2024 RECOVER Guidelines: Updated treatment recommendations for CPR in dogs and cats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38924627/)). Students frequently ventilate at 20 to 30 breaths per minute, the corrective action is to count breaths explicitly and to watch for chest rise as the sole volume indicator.

Drug errors follow predictable patterns. High-dose epinephrine is no longer recommended, yet some clinicians still reach for it during refractory arrest. Atropine, if used, is administered only once per the 2024 update ([2024 RECOVER Guidelines: Updated treatment recommendations for CPR in dogs and cats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38924627/)). The corrective action is a crash cart checklist that removes obsolete drugs and a team leader who confirms each drug and dose aloud before administration.

Failure to recognize a reversible cause is the most consequential error. Hypovolemia, tension pneumothorax, pericardial effusion, and electrolyte disturbances are all potentially reversible, but each requires a specific diagnostic step. The team leader should run through the reversible causes checklist during the first two minutes of arrest.

## Troubleshooting Table

| Observation | Likely Cause | Discriminating Check |
|---|---|---|
| No capnographic waveform | Tube malposition, esophageal intubation, or no cardiac output | Direct laryngoscopy, bilateral auscultation, chest rise |
| Rising airway pressure | Pneumothorax, bronchospasm, or tube obstruction | Thoracic ultrasound, pass a suction catheter, assess compliance |
| Falling SpO₂ after ROSC | Pulmonary contusion, aspiration, or reperfusion edema | Arterial blood gas, thoracic radiography, lung ultrasound |
| Refractory hypotension | Hypovolemia, tension pneumothorax, or cardiac tamponade | Focused ultrasound, central venous pressure, response to fluid challenge |
| Recurrent ventricular arrhythmias | Myocardial ischemia, electrolyte imbalance, or drug toxicity | Electrolyte panel, review drug timing, continuous ECG |

## Evidence Limitations and Contested Areas

The evidence base for veterinary CPR remains limited by small sample sizes and single-center designs. The prospective evaluation of CPR outcomes at a U.S. teaching hospital found that cats had higher odds of achieving ROSC and surviving to discharge than dogs, but the confidence intervals were wide and the study was not powered to detect all clinically relevant differences ([Prospective Evaluation of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Performed in Dogs and Cats According to the RECOVER Guidelines. Part 1: Prognostic Factors According to Utstein-Style Reporting](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31788482/)). Whether this reflects true species differences or confounding by arrest aetiology remains unresolved.

Expert opinion still differs on several points. The optimal compression rate for brachycephalic breeds, the role of open-chest CPR in non-surgical arrests, and the timing of epinephrine redosing in refractory arrest all lack high-quality comparative data. The 2024 guideline process generated 90 individual treatment recommendations, but many were based on low or very low certainty evidence ([2024 RECOVER Guidelines: Updated treatment recommendations for CPR in dogs and cats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38924627/)). Clinicians should apply these recommendations as defaults while remaining alert to patient-specific factors that may justify deviation.

## Referral, Consultation, and Reporting

Most CPR events occur in emergency or general practice settings where referral is not feasible during the arrest itself. The relevant question is whether post-arrest care exceeds local capability. Patients with ROSC who require mechanical ventilation, continuous vasopressor infusion, or advanced neuromonitoring should be transferred to a 24-hour critical care facility once stabilized. The [RECOVER Initiative Veterinary CPR Guidelines](https://recoverinitiative.org/) provide post-arrest care algorithms that help determine which patients are stable enough for transport.

Specialist consultation is appropriate before arrest when a patient with known cardiac disease, coagulopathy, or electrolyte disturbance shows deteriorating perfusion. A veterinary cardiologist or criticalist can advise on monitoring intensity and pre-arrest interventions that may reduce arrest risk.

Laboratory involvement is essential after ROSC. Serial blood gases, lactate, electrolytes, and coagulation panels guide ongoing therapy. Point-of-care testing is acceptable for initial assessment, but confirmatory laboratory testing is warranted when results will change management.

Regulatory reporting applies in limited circumstances. Suspected adverse drug reactions, device malfunctions, and reportable infectious disease complications should be reported to the appropriate authorities. The [AVMA practice resources](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools) provide guidance on reporting obligations, and international practitioners should consult their regional standards, such as the [WOAH terrestrial animal health standards](https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/standards/codes-and-manuals/terrestrial-code-online-access/) where zoonotic or notifiable disease is suspected.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How should we adapt our CPR protocol when we lack a mechanical chest compressor or capnography?

Manual compressions remain the standard when mechanical devices are unavailable. The 2024 RECOVER guidelines emphasize consistent compression rate and depth, with full chest recoil between compressions, and recommend rotating compressors every two minutes to maintain quality. Capnography is the preferred monitoring tool, but when it is absent, use femoral pulse palpation, mucous membrane color, and pupillary response as indirect perfusion indicators. Auscultation during compressions is unreliable. Document the monitoring method used and the limitations present, since this affects interpretation of the arrest event during debrief. The [2024 RECOVER guidelines](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38924627/) describe alternative monitoring approaches when advanced equipment is unavailable.

### What are the minimum staffing requirements to run a code effectively in a small practice?

A minimum of three people is workable: one for compressions, one for airway and ventilation, and one for drug administration and documentation. Four is preferable, allowing a second compressor and a dedicated recorder. In a two-person team, prioritize compressions and ventilation, and accept that drug delivery will be delayed. The [RECOVER Initiative guidelines](https://recoverinitiative.org/) provide role assignment frameworks that scale to team size. Pre-assign roles during staff training so that each person knows their default position when a code is called. If your practice routinely operates with fewer than three staff members, consider a formal plan for calling nearby clinics for personnel support while CPR is in progress.

### How should we document a CPR event for the medical record?

Use a standardized CPR record that captures arrest time, initial rhythm, each drug administration with time and dose, defibrillation attempts, compressor rotation times, and all monitoring values. The Utstein-style reporting framework described in the [prospective evaluation of CPR outcomes in dogs and cats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31788482/) provides a structured template for arrest documentation. Record the time of arrest recognition, time of first compression, and time of each intervention. Note who performed each role. Document the outcome at each stage: any return of spontaneous circulation, sustained ROSC, and survival to discharge. A contemporaneous record is more accurate than one completed after the event, so assign a dedicated recorder at code start.

### How do we handle CPR when the owner is present and requesting updates?

Assign one team member to act as the owner liaison before the code begins. This person provides brief, factual updates at defined intervals, typically every five minutes, and does not participate in resuscitation tasks. The liaison should explain what is being done, why, and what the next decision point will be. Discuss the option of owner presence during CPR as a practice policy question, since evidence on veterinary outcomes is limited. The [AVMA practice resources](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools) offer general guidance on client communication during emergency procedures. The liaison should also be prepared to discuss cessation of efforts when the team determines that continued resuscitation is unlikely to achieve ROSC.

### Does the RECOVER protocol apply to exotic species or only dogs and cats?

The RECOVER guidelines were developed specifically for dogs and cats. The [2024 RECOVER guidelines](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38924627/) do not provide species-specific recommendations for exotic animals, birds, or reptiles. For these species, extrapolate physiological principles with caution. Compression rates and depths, ventilation strategies, and drug choices must be adjusted for body size, thoracic conformation, and metabolic differences. The [MSD Veterinary Manual](https://www.msdvetmanual.com/) provides species-specific emergency references that can guide these adjustments. If you treat exotic species regularly, develop a separate arrest protocol based on the available species literature and review it with a specialist in exotic animal medicine.

### How should we approach CPR in a patient with suspected hemorrhage or hypovolemia?

Restore circulating volume as the priority alongside compressions. The [AAHA and AAFP fluid therapy guidelines](https://www.aaha.org/resources/2024-aaha-fluid-therapy-guidelines-for-dogs-and-cats/) address fluid selection and rate planning in critically ill patients, including those with suspected ongoing blood loss. In arrest secondary to hemorrhage, chest compressions are less effective without adequate preload, so secure intravenous or intraosseous access immediately and administer volume resuscitation concurrently with BLS and ALS. Consider the source of hemorrhage and whether surgical control is feasible during resuscitation. The 2024 RECOVER guidelines note that the arrest aetiology modifies the resuscitation approach, and hypovolemic arrest requires simultaneous volume restoration instead of drug therapy alone.

## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides

* [Toxicology in Emergency Practice: Common Poisons and Diagnostic Approach](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/emergency-critical-care/toxicology-emergency-practice-common-poisons-diagnostic-approach)
* [Veterinary Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Post-Cardiac Arrest Care](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/emergency-critical-care/veterinary-cardiopulmonary-resuscitation-post-cardiac-arrest-care)
* [Fluid Therapy Guidelines for Dogs and Cats: A Practical Update](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/emergency-critical-care/fluid-therapy-guidelines-dogs-cats-practical-update)


## References and Further Reading

- [Prospective Evaluation of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Performed in Dogs and Cats According to the RECOVER Guidelines. Part 1: Prognostic Factors According to Utstein-Style Reporting.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31788482/). 2019.
- [2024 RECOVER Guidelines: Updated treatment recommendations for CPR in dogs and cats.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38924627/). 2024.
- [RECOVER Initiative Veterinary CPR Guidelines](https://recoverinitiative.org/). Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society.
- [AAHA/AAFP Fluid Therapy Guidelines for Dogs and Cats](https://www.aaha.org/resources/2024-aaha-fluid-therapy-guidelines-for-dogs-and-cats/). AAHA.
- [MSD Veterinary Manual, Professional Edition](https://www.msdvetmanual.com/). MSD Veterinary Manual.
- [American Veterinary Medical Association Practice Resources](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools). American Veterinary Medical Association.
- [WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code](https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/standards/codes-and-manuals/terrestrial-code-online-access/). WOAH.

## Related Articles

- [Fluid Therapy Guidelines for Dogs and Cats: A Practical Update](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/emergency-critical-care/fluid-therapy-guidelines-dogs-cats-practical-update)
- [Veterinary Triage Sheet: Design and Implementation](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/emergency-critical-care/veterinary-triage-sheet-design-implementation)
- [Veterinary Triage Acuity Scoring Systems and Implementation](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/emergency-critical-care/veterinary-triage-acuity-scoring-systems-implementation)
- [Veterinary Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Drug Protocols and Dosing](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/emergency-critical-care/veterinary-cardiopulmonary-resuscitation-drug-protocols-dosing)
- [Veterinary Patient Monitoring Sheet Design and Implementation](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/emergency-critical-care/veterinary-patient-monitoring-sheet-design-implementation)

> This article is educational professional reference material for veterinary audiences. It is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, individual clinical judgment, current product labeling, or applicable regulatory requirements.


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