Fluid therapy is a mainstay of veterinary practice, from prescribing subcutaneous fluids for the cat with kidney disease, to aiding the dehydrated parvovirus-positive pup, to supporting the patient under anesthesia. Knowing which type of fluids to choose, how much to administer, and for how long, can be choppy waters to navigate. The AHA Fluid Therapy Guidelines can help you select the best plan for each individual patient.
Sail through your fluid therapy choices with these tips from the guidelines. Fluids are drugs prescribed to patients and must be used in a way that achieves therapeutic goals and minimizes complications. One fluid rate does not fix all. Each body fluid compartment, intracellular, interstitial, and intravascular, may require a different fluid prescription tailored to a patient's individual needs. Don't set it and forget it.
A patient's fluid needs may change, and regular evaluation helps avoid complications and ensure desired therapeutic outcomes. Watch out for fluid overload. This is a life-threatening complication that can be caused by excessive fluid administration.
Deciding on a therapeutic approach is only the first step. Skilled veterinary technicians are key to effective patient monitoring and the success of fluid therapy plans. For answers to your challenging fluid therapy questions, check out the 2024 AHA Fluid Therapy Guidelines for Dogs and Cats at aha.org slash fluid therapy.