IV fluid therapy

what are some reasons for why/when fluids should be given?

• dehydration

• under anesthesia during surgery

• emergency situations (blood loss)

• kidney failure

when should fluids be given intravenously?

when large volumes of fluid are given

when is a IV catheter needed?

when large volumes of fluid are given and when constant rate infusions are needed

what happens to PCV/TP as fluid levels increase?

PCV/TP will go down because it is getting diluted

what can happen if there is too much fluid given to a patient?

affects osmotic pressure and can cause component of blood that helps keep them in capillaries to not function properly

what will happen to USG as fluid increases?

it will go down because the kidney can’t filter it properly

what test can help to tell if an animal is dehydrated?

the sunken eye test

maintenance fluids

• how much fluid an animal requires on a day to day basis

• dependent on weight and age

what is the maintenance fluid rate for an adult animal?

2-3 ml/kg/hr or 50ml/kg/day

what is the maintenance fluid rate for young animals?

3-4 ml/kg/hr

what is the maintenance rate for neonatal animals (less that 2 weeks old)

4-6 ml/kg/hr

how to calculate fluid deficit

% dehydrated x weight

how should you replace fluid loss over a 24 hour period?

add maintenance requirements to fluid deficit to determine total amount to be given in 24 hour period

what is front loading?

• giving more fluids within the first few hours of treatment ( ex. 30% in first 3 hours)

• more/less may be appropriate depending on case and response to treatment

what is a fluid bolus?

• given when patient is in shock, dehydrated, or if CRI isn’t possible

• can be given over short period of time

what is a common bolus for patients?

20 ml/kg given over 15-30 min

what is it important to be aware of when dministering fluids?

additives in the fluid

how much fluid should a patient under anesthesia be given?

2-4 ml/kg/hr for healthy animal with minimal fluid losses