Knowledge Center
Guidelines for fluid therapy
Knowledge bank
Individualised care
• Fluid therapy should be individualised and tailored to each patient
• Therapy is constantly evaluated and adjusted according to changes in patient status
• Fluid selection is dictated by patient needs, including volume, rate and fluid
• The appropriate fluid administration depends on the patient's condition
• Use oral fluids for patients with a functioning gastrointestinal system and without significant fluid imbalance
• Use subcutaneous fluid to prevent loss. This route is not
adequate for replacement therapy in anything other than very mild dehydration
• Use intravenous or intra-osseous fluids for patients under anaesthesia, for
hospitalised patients who are not eating or drinking normally, and for
treatment of dehydration, shock, hyperthermia or hypotension.
Knowledge bank
Reasons for fluid therapy
A number of patient conditions can lead to the need for fluid therapy. Veterinarians and veterinary nurses administer fluid therapy to patients for many reasons, including correction of dehydration, expansion and support of intravascular volume, correction of electrolyte imbalances and redistribution of fluids that may be in the wrong ‘compartment’ (e.g. peritoneal effusion). The examination should include blood tests including blood chemistry, complete blood counts and electrolyte measurements. The first step in determining whether a patient needs fluid therapy is an in-depth examination of the animal, including collecting a complete medical history. The veterinarian should assess whether the patient is perfusing the tissue well enough, check for dehydration and evaluate losses from any of the fluid stores.
Knowledge bank
Developing and implementing a fluid therapy plan
Developing and implementing a fluid therapy plan There is a useful guideline when it comes to fluid therapy: replace with similar. This means that if a patient has lost blood, this fluid should be replaced with plasma, pRBCs or whole blood. If a patient has lost body fluids through diarrhoea, vomitus or polyuria, replace with similar compounded isotonic crystalloid fluids. While the development of the fluid plan is ultimately the responsibility of the veterinarian, it is important for veterinary nurses to understand the fluids available and under what conditions they can be used in clinical practice.
Infusion & transfusion catalogue
To perform best practice, you need the right tools. KRUUSE infusion products are designed to provide easy venous access while minimising pain and discomfort for the patient.
