Which of the following is characteristic of an animal in shock?

An animal in shock typically exhibits increased heart rate as a compensatory mechanism in response to reduced perfusion and oxygen delivery to the tissues. Shock can stem from various causes, including blood loss, dehydration, and sepsis, all of which place stress on the cardiovascular system. In an effort to maintain adequate blood flow, the body responds by elevating the heart rate to increase cardiac output.

During shock, it's common for other physiological responses to also occur, such as peripheral vasoconstriction, which can lead to increased blood pressure initially, but as shock progresses, blood pressure may ultimately decrease. Temperature regulation may be affected as well, potentially leading to hypothermia if the shock is severe and prolonged, rather than remaining normal. Understanding these mechanisms is critical for assessing the condition of an animal in shock and highlights the importance of monitoring heart rate as a key indicator of the severity and progression of the shock state.