Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
2013 AAHA/AAFP fluid therapy guidelines for dogs and cats.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
- Year:
- 2013
- Authors:
- Davis, Harold et al.
- Affiliation:
- University of California Davis · United States
Plain-English summary
Fluid therapy is a key treatment for many health issues in dogs and cats. Veterinarians decide if a pet needs fluids based on their medical history, main health concerns, physical exam results, and any additional tests. The type and amount of fluid given depend on the pet's specific needs, which can change based on their overall health and any existing conditions. It's important for the treatment to be personalized and regularly adjusted as the pet's condition changes. These guidelines help vets choose the right fluids and monitor how well the treatment is working.
Abstract
Fluid therapy is important for many medical conditions in veterinary patients. The assessment of patient history, chief complaint, physical exam findings, and indicated additional testing will determine the need for fluid therapy. Fluid selection is dictated by the patient's needs, including volume, rate, fluid composition required, and location the fluid is needed (e.g., interstitial versus intravascular). Therapy must be individualized, tailored to each patient, and constantly re-evaluated and reformulated according to changes in status. Needs may vary according to the existence of either acute or chronic conditions, patient pathology (e.g., acid-base, oncotic, electrolyte abnormalities), and comorbid conditions. All patients should be assessed for three types of fluid disturbances: changes in volume, changes in content, and/or changes in distribution. The goals of these guidelines are to assist the clinician in prioritizing goals, selecting appropriate fluids and rates of administration, and assessing patient response to therapy. These guidelines provide recommendations for fluid administration for anesthetized patients and patients with fluid disturbances.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23645543/