The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice
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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
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
ReviewFluid therapy: options and rational administration.
Fluid administration is a primary component of therapy in many small animal patients. Several different classes of fluid may be given, and there are multiple options within each class. ⋯ Monitoring vital parameters and bedside monitoring of laboratory variables allow assessment of fluid therapy success or failure. Successful fluid administration also requires that parenteral fluid therapy ultimately be discontinued with minimal adverse effects for the patient.
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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.
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The intravenous administration of fluids is one of the most important aspects of patient care in hospitalized animals. Intravenous fluids are administered to replace or prevent dehydration, treat hypovolemic shock and intravascular volume depletion, correct acid-base and electrolyte abnormalities, and maintain vascular access for administration of drugs, blood product components, and parenteral nutrition. Intravenous catheterization also can provide a means of blood sample collection, thus avoiding frequent and uncomfortable venipunctures in critically ill animals. Although the benefits of intravenous catheterization and fluid administration are numerous, inherent risks are associated with the procedures, and care must be taken to avoid potential complications.