VetPocket IV Fluid Therapy Guidelines for Dogs and Cats

by Daniela de Kock
September 2022

VetPocket IV Fluid Therapy Guidelines for Dogs and Cats pdf

IV fluid therapy is something we use on an almost daily basis in the veterinary profession, and yet there is still quite a bit of confusion surrounding its use. To be fair, fluid therapy guidelines is an ever-evolving subject, and much like medical guidelines, gets updated periodically. It is however, important to stay up to date with the most current research at the time. Fluid therapy is not benign and is considered to be a drug. It is extremely important that fluid therapy be used correctly. Incorrect usage or dosage can lead to, and has led to, among other adverse effects, fluid overload and death in patients. We can do better.

Images, tables, reference ranges and formulas are also included for easy understanding of the topics covered and for quick reference.

If you are unable to answer any of the questions posed above, or you just know you need some help with IV fluid therapy guidelines, then this is for YOU!

It is perfect for pre-vet students, vet students, vet tech students, vet techs, vet nurses and vets.
Topics Covered:

• Fluid compartments
• Starling’s law of the capillary
• Types of fluid disturbances
• Reasons for IV fluid therapy
• Types of dehydration
• Routes of fluid therapy administration
• Risks of IV fluid therapy
• Main fluid types
• General classifications of crystalloids
• Effects of crystalloid tonicity
• Balanced isotonic crystalloids for replacement
• Unbalanced isotonic crystalloids for replacement
• Hypertonic crystalloids
• Hypotonic crystalloids
• Hypotonic crystalloids for maintenance
• Synthetic colloids
• (Natural colloids or blood products are just given a shoutout)
• Hypovolemic shock (perfusion deficit)
• Maintenance, dehydration and ongoing losses
• Sensitive vs insensitive fluid losses
• Fluid rate tables
• Anesthetic fluid rates
• IV fluid therapy thought process
• Practical tips