IV Fluid Therapy Guidelines for Dogs and Cats

Do you know when to administer IV fluids, what type of fluid bag to use, how much to administer and when to stop administration? Do you know the difference between osmolarity, osmolality and tonicity? What about the different fluid compartments and how to correct fluid deficits in each? Do you know that there are different types of dehydration? Do you know the "old shock dose" is now considered to be too high? Do you know that Starling's law of the capillary has been updated - colloids don't do quite what we thought them to do (additionally, we have come to learn that synthetic colloids have quite a number of risks associated with them), and the revision including the glycocalyx?

So many questions, right??

Our cards and notebook will help answer these questions and more, from fluid compartments to practical tips and everything in between. 

IV fluid therapy is something I am passionate about and strongly believe needs to be brought more to the forefront. 

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, amongst 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
• Sensible vs insensible fluid losses
• Fluid rate tables
• Anesthetic fluid rates
• IV fluid therapy thought process
• Practical tips

Notebook

Pages: 38 pages
Dimension: 4.25 x 5.75 x 0.63 inches
Cover: 10mm Cardstock, Laminated
Inside: Regular Paper Pages
ISBN: 978-1-7371863-0-4

Cards

Cards: 19 cards (38 pages)
Dimension: 4.25 x 5.75 x 0.63 inches
Spec: 10mm Cardstock, Laminated. Waterproof, Drilled Holes for attachment
ISBN: 978-1-7371863-0-4

Disclaimer

The information, images, tables, reference ranges and formulas in these cards and notebook are intended to be used for educational purposes and as guidelines only. Medical recommendations and reference ranges vary slightly among sources. Medical guidelines, including fluid therapy guidelines, get updated and evolve periodically, and therefore may differ from information printed at this date. Take into account a patient’s individual circumstances and don’t rely on the numbers alone. The information in these cards is not intended to replace clinical judgment or guide individual care in any matter. Please check any information or values prior to use and use at own risk. Neither Vetpocket, the authors, nor any other party involved in the preparation, publication or distribution of any Vetpocket material shall be liable for any special, consequential, or exemplary damages resulting in whole or part from any use of or reliance upon this information.