DM1 Pt6-2 Fluid Therapy Flashcards
When is fluid therapy recommended during anesthesia in cats?
Fluid therapy is recommended when anesthesia is expected to exceed 30 minutes, or in cats that are cardiovascularly unstable, pediatric, geriatric, have systemic disease, or are undergoing surgeries with significant tissue exposure or expected blood loss.
Why are fluid balance disturbances common during anesthesia?
Anesthesia causes vasodilation, inhibits fluid intake, increases fluid loss via the respiratory system and open body cavities, and depresses cardiovascular autoregulation, increasing the risk of hypotension and fluid imbalance.
What is the normal blood volume of a 5 kg cat?
The circulating blood volume of a 5 kg cat is approximately 350 mL (6-7% of body weight).
At what point is blood loss considered significant in cats during surgery?
Blood loss greater than 10% of blood volume (35 mL in a 5 kg cat) is considered significant, requiring more aggressive fluid therapy.
How is fluid therapy provided during anesthesia?
Fluid therapy is administered intravenously using an IV catheter or, if necessary, via an intraosseous needle. Subcutaneous or peritoneal fluid administration is inadequate during anesthesia due to slow and unreliable absorption.
What types of fluids are commonly used during anesthesia?
Isotonic polyionic crystalloid solutions such as Ringer’s lactate, Hartmann’s solution, or 0.9% NaCl are commonly used. In cases of hypotension, synthetic colloids may be used to maintain fluid volume more effectively.
What is the recommended rate of fluid administration during anesthesia in cats?
A typical rate is 4-5 mL/kg/hour, which is higher than maintenance rates due to fluid loss from vasodilation, respiratory loss, and surgical exposure. Fluid rates may need to increase during major surgeries or when significant blood loss occurs.
What is the risk of fluid overload in cats during anesthesia?
Fluid overload can result in pulmonary edema or pleural effusion, especially if fluids are administered too quickly. Careful control of fluid administration using a syringe driver or infusion pump is essential to avoid this risk.
Why is it important to warm fluids before administering them during anesthesia?
Administering cold fluids can lower body temperature, contributing to hypothermia. Fluids should be warmed to 36-37°C to maintain normothermia during anesthesia.
When might a blood transfusion be indicated during surgery in cats?
A blood transfusion may be necessary if blood loss exceeds 20% of the cat’s blood volume, depending on the cat’s clinical status, ASA classification, and hemoglobin concentration or PCV.
