Innovations in Hemodynamic Monitoring in Veterinary Medicine: From Macrohemodynamics to Microcirculation

About this Research Topic

Background

In both human and veterinary medicine, hemodynamic instability—resulting from sepsis, trauma, cardiac conditions, among others—is characterized by macrocirculatory failure (e.g., hypotension, reduced cardiac output), as well as tissue perfusion deficits and microcirculatory dysfunction. Animals in shock frequently require anesthesia and surgical intervention, yet anesthetic agents themselves may precipitate or exacerbate cardiovascular collapse. Critically, restoration of systemic parameters does not necessarily correct tissue hypoperfusion—a phenomenon termed hemodynamic incoherence. In this context, comprehensive monitoring of both macrohemodynamics and tissue perfusion is essential to detect and manage occult perfusion failure, prevent organ hypoxia, and optimize outcomes, especially in veterinary patients at high risk of cardiovascular compromise.

In human medicine, a growing body of research highlights the importance of a holistic approach to cardiovascular monitoring—encompassing both macrohemodynamic and microcirculatory parameters—since tissue perfusion disturbances may persist despite apparent normalization of systemic variables in critically ill patients. This is particularly critical in the management of circulatory shock (hypovolemic, distributive, or cardiogenic), and trauma and hemorrhagic shock, where restoring blood pressure and cardiac output alone may not ensure adequate tissue oxygenation. In veterinary medicine, however, significant uncertainties remain: cardiac output monitoring is less accessible, standard tools such as pulmonary artery catheters are invasive and rarely used outside research settings, and few studies have validated technologies for assessing microcirculation—while clinical surrogates such as capillary refill time remain poorly characterized in veterinary patients.

This Research Topic aims to highlight recent advances and foster innovation in the field, including the development and evaluation of novel monitoring tools, real-time imaging techniques, minimally invasive technologies, and clinical approaches to assess cardiovascular function and tissue perfusion in animals. Contributions exploring the pathophysiology of hemodynamic failure, its early detection, and strategies to prevent or correct it are welcome. Studies exploring volume kinetics and examining the impact of anesthesia on macro- and microcirculatory dynamics are also encouraged.

This Research Topic welcomes contributions that explore recent innovations in hemodynamic monitoring in veterinary medicine, with a particular focus on the continuum from macrohemodynamics to microcirculation. Specific themes include novel technologies for monitoring cardiovascular parameters (including point of care ultrasound), minimally invasive and real-time tools to assess tissue perfusion, and translational approaches inspired by human medicine. Studies investigating the pathophysiology of hemodynamic failure, its early detection, and the impact of anesthesia on circulatory function are particularly encouraged.

We invite a variety of manuscript types, including:
- Original research (preclinical or clinical) in any animal species,
- Review articles summarizing current knowledge or emerging concepts,
- Retrospective studies providing insights into clinical outcomes or monitoring practices.

The goal is to stimulate interdisciplinary dialogue and advance evidence-based approaches to cardiovascular monitoring in veterinary patients.

Dr. Hoareau is a consultant and shareholder of Certus Critical Care and is the inventor on the GJA1-20k patent. All other Topic Editors have no competing interests to declare.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Microcirculation, Tissue perfusion, Shock, Cardiac output, Hemodynamic monitoring, Hypotension, Hemorrhage, Volume kinetics, POCUS, Videomicroscopy

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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