Dehydration

Question 1

What is dehydration?

Answer 1

Fluid loss from intracellular/interstitial spaces.

Question 2

What causes dehydration?

Answer 2

Inadequate water intake

Excessive fluid losses

Question 3

What are 3 signs of dehydration?

Answer 3

Decreased skin turgor
Tacky MM
Sunken eyes

Question 4

What percentage is “subclinical” dehydration?

Answer 4

<5%

Question 5

What percentage is “mild” dehydration?

Answer 5

7%

Question 6

What percentage is “moderate” dehydration?

Answer 6

10%

Question 7

What percentage is “severe” dehydration?

Answer 7

13%

Question 8

What are signs of mild dehydration?

Answer 8

Subtle loss of skin elasticity

Tacky MM

Question 9

What are signs of moderate dehydration?

Answer 9

Prolonged skin tent
Tacky MM
Prolonged CRT

Question 10

What are signs of severe dehydration?

Answer 10

Skin tent stands in place
Tacky MM
Sunken eyes
CRT >2sec
Depressed

Question 11

What is the diference between dehydration and hypovlemic shock?

Answer 11

Fluid loss from intracellular/interstitial space vs vascular space.

Question 12

What 3 factors must you know when calculating a fluid plan?

Answer 12

Dehydration deficit
Daily maintenance
Ongoing fluid losses

Question 13

How do you calculate fluid deficit?

Answer 13

Deficit in L = %dehydration X BW(kgs)

Question 14

What is the daily maintenance dose?

Answer 14

40-60mL/kg/day (dog = high end, cat = low end)

Question 15

What do you do to the maintenance rate if the patient has a fever?

Answer 15

Increase rate by 15-20mL/kg/day

Question 16

How do you determine ongoing fluid loss?

Answer 16

Estimate losses OR

Double maintenance dose

Question 17

What is the rule of thumb for replacing fluid deficit?

Answer 17

80-100% replaced in first 24 hours

Question 18

Within what time frame is the fire 1/2 or more of the dehydration deficit replaced?

Answer 18

First 4-6 hours