In Practice 6: 143-150 (1984)
© 1984 British Veterinary Association

Practical fluid therapy for small animals

The following summary may help in devising a plan of fluid administration to any particular patient.

(1) Determine volume deficit by reference to history, physical examination and, or, packed cell volume estimation.

(2) Estimate continuing loss requirements.

(3) Decide upon the nature of the fluid to be used for replacing (1) and (2).

(4) Determine potassium status requirements.

(5) Determine acid-base status and bicarbonate requirements.

(6) Calculate daily maintenance requirements.

(7) Add all requirements together and divide by number of hours available to determine the hourly rate of fluid administration.

(8) Convert (7) to drip rate per minute and mark infusion bag for easy reference.

(9) Record fluid input and output on a chart.

(10) Repeat exercise daily, calculating ongoing losses as accurately as possible.