The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice
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Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract. · May 2008
Review Case ReportsMaking sense of blood gas results.
Recent technologic advances have allowed the production and marketing of cage-side blood gas analyzers to private practitioners. The widespread use of cage-side portable blood gas analyzers in veterinary practices has increased the need to develop the basic skills of blood gas analysis as part of a tool kit for practicing veterinarians. Rapid expansion of emergency and critical care medicine as a specialty and increased numbers of veterinary emergency and veterinary specialty practices have occurred concurrently with the availability of blood gas analyzers that are affordable for private practitioners. As a result, evaluation of blood gas results is no longer an activity confined to academic institutions and has become a daily part of many practicing veterinarians' activities.
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Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract. · May 2008
ReviewMetabolic acid-base disorders in the critical care unit.
The recognition and management of acid-base disorders is a commonplace activity in the critical care unit, and the role of weak and strong acids in the genesis of metabolic acid-base disorders is reviewed. The clinical approach to patients with metabolic alkalosis and metabolic acidosis is discussed in this article.
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Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract. · May 2008
ReviewFluid therapy in patients with pulmonary disease.
Fluid therapy in patients with pulmonary disease is challenging. Although a single set of rules cannot be applied to every patient, the following guidelines can be used when managing patients with pulmonary disease. ⋯ In hypovolemic or hypotensive patients, small boluses of isotonic crystalloids or colloids should be given to restore perfusion, avoiding rates of more than 30 mL/kg an hour for isotonic crystalloids. If perfusion is not restored by adequate volume resuscitation, vasopressors or positive inotropes should be administered to prevent fluid overload and deterioration in pulmonary function.
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Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract. · May 2008
ReviewAssessment and treatment of hypovolemic states.
Hypovolemia and hypoperfusion are common life-threatening problems in animals presented to the emergency veterinarian. Assessment of physical findings and rapid recognition and treatment of abnormal tissue perfusion are crucial in optimizing outcome. The clinician should be familiar with the disease being treated and the types of fluids that are available. Development of a fluid therapy plan to correct life-threatening abnormalities and patient monitoring during treatment play an important role in patient outcome.
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Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract. · May 2008
ReviewMaintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in heart failure.
Advanced heart failure and its treatment are often associated with a variety of hemodynamic, fluid, and electrolyte derangements. This article gives the practitioner an overview of the pathophysiology of common fluid and electrolyte alterations present in animals with heart failure, highlighting specific clinical correlates. Additionally, specific therapeutic interventions are discussed to manage these fluid and electrolyte abnormalities.