Fluid Therapy

Question 1

How long should you treat hypovolaemia for?

Answer 1

6-8 hours

Question 2

How long should you treat dehydration for?

Answer 2

12-24 hours

Question 3

Signs of hypovolaemia

Answer 3

Increased HR
Increased CRT
Decreased PCV - haemorrhagic
High lactate
Decreased mentation

Question 4

Signs of dehydration

Answer 4

Decreased body weight
Sunken eyes
Tacky mucous membranes
Skin tent
Hypernatraemia

Question 5

How do you calculate approximate fluid loss?

Answer 5

Estimated fluid deficit as % multiplied by body weight
This gives you amount of isotonic fluid the patient is missing in litres

Question 6

When should you administer IV or rectal fluids?

Answer 6

Patients with >5% fluid deficit

Question 7

When should you administer enteral fluids?

Answer 7

Patients with <5% fluid deficit

Question 8

Example of hypovolaemic case

Answer 8

Colic in horses
Septic foals
Blood loss from trauma

Question 9

Example of dehydrated animal

Answer 9

Renal failure
Exhausted performance animal

Question 10

Example of dehydrated and hypovolaemic animal

Answer 10

Calf with diarrhoea that has been left for a few days