Using the BSP extraction technic, the hepatic blood flow of the dog was found to be reduced markedly following a single massive hemorrhage. However, increase in the arterial hepatic venous-oxygen difference compensated for as much as 75% reduction in flow; hence, splanchnic oxygen consumption was maintained under these circumstances. Significant reduction of splanchnic oxygen consumption occurred only during sustained shock when hepatic blood flow was so seriously diminished that high oxygen extraction could not compensate for the lowered oxygen delivery to the liver.