6. fluid, electrolyte

What are the main goals of fluid, electrolyte, and nutritional support?

Restore fluid balance, correct electrolyte abnormalities, provide nutrients, promote healing, and improve recovery.

What parameters are used to assess hydration?

History, skin turgor, mucous membrane moisture, CRT, eye position, body weight, and urine output.

What are the clinical signs of 5–6% dehydration?

Slight skin tenting.

What are the clinical signs of 6–8% dehydration?

Dry mucous membranes.

What are the clinical signs of 8–10% dehydration?

Sunken eyes and prolonged CRT.

What happens at 10–12% dehydration?

Severe shock; 12% or more is life-threatening.

What are the three components of total fluid requirements?

Maintenance + Fluid deficit + Ongoing losses.

What is maintenance fluid?

Fluid that replaces normal daily losses through urine, feces, and respiration.

What is replacement fluid?

Fluid given to correct an existing dehydration deficit.

What are examples of ongoing fluid losses?

Vomiting, diarrhea, polyuria, and drainage.

What is the formula for calculating fluid deficit?

Body weight (kg) × Percentage of dehydration (decimal) × 1,000.

A 20 kg dog is 8% dehydrated. What is its fluid deficit?

1,600 mL (20 × 0.08 × 1,000).

What are the daily maintenance fluid requirements for dogs and cats?

Dogs: 40–60 mL/kg/day; Cats: 40–50 mL/kg/day.

What are crystalloids? Give examples.

Fluids containing water and small dissolved particles; Lactated Ringer's Solution, Plasma-Lyte, and Normal Saline.

What are the primary uses of crystalloid fluids?

Treat dehydration, shock, and provide maintenance fluids.

What are colloids? Give examples.

Fluids containing large molecules; plasma, albumin, and synthetic colloids.

What is the main purpose of colloids?

Maintain or improve oncotic pressure, especially in hypoproteinemia.

What are the three major blood products?

Whole blood, packed RBCs, and fresh frozen plasma (FFP).

What are the main uses of blood products?

Treat hemorrhage and severe anemia and replace plasma proteins or clotting factors.

What are the five major electrolytes and their functions?

Sodium: water balance; Potassium: cardiac and muscle function; Chloride: acid-base balance; Calcium: muscle contraction and blood clotting; Magnesium: neuromuscular function.

What are the signs of hyponatremia and hypernatremia?

Hyponatremia (low sodium): weakness, depression, and seizures. Hypernatremia (high sodium): thirst and neurological abnormalities.

What are the signs of hypokalemia and hyperkalemia?

Hypokalemia (low potassium) Muscle weakness and arrhythmias. Hyperkalemia (high potassium): bradycardia and cardiac arrest.

What is the difference between BCS and MCS?

BCS evaluates body fat, while MCS evaluates muscle mass.

What do BCS scores 1–3, 4–5, 6–7, and 8–9 indicate?

1–3

What is enteral nutrition?

Nutrient administration through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

What are the methods of enteral nutrition?

Voluntary feeding, syringe feeding, nasoesophageal tube, esophagostomy tube, and gastrostomy tube.

What are the advantages of enteral nutrition?

Maintains GI integrity, is less expensive, and generally has a lower complication rate.

What is parenteral nutrition and what are its two types?

Nutrition administered intravenously; Partial Parenteral Nutrition (PPN) and Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN).

When is parenteral nutrition indicated?

GI obstruction, severe pancreatitis, persistent vomiting, and ileus.

What are the possible complications of parenteral nutrition?

Infection, hyperglycemia, and catheter problems.

What parameters should be monitored during fluid and nutritional therapy?

Heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, blood pressure, hydration status, urine output, electrolytes, and body weight.

What are the examples of supportive care in critically ill animals?

Pain management, temperature regulation, nursing care, wound care, oxygen therapy, vital sign monitoring, hydration monitoring, and nutritional support.