Fluid therapy SDL

Question 1

What fluid therapy approach is used for hypovolemia?

Answer 1

Intravenous fluid bolus (10-15 ml/kg) with Hartmann’s over 15 minutes

Question 2

What indicates an inadequate response to fluids?

Answer 2

Persistent tachycardia, hypotension, high lactate despite initial bolus

Question 3

How is the total fluid deficit calculated?

Answer 3

Previous healthy weight - current weight = fluid deficit (L)

Question 4

How is the fluid rate set for ongoing hydration?

Answer 4

Deficit replacement over 24h + maintenance rate (2 ml/kg/hr)

Adjust for ongoing losses (e.g., vomiting, polyuria)

Question 5

How is fluid therapy modified if a patient is polyuric?

Answer 5

Increase fluid rate to match ongoing losses

Start ins/outs monitoring to track urine output

Question 6

What are signs of fluid overload?

Answer 6

Peripheral oedema, pulmonary oedema (on POCUS), or weight gain above target

Question 7

What are the 3 fluid administration routes in horses?

Answer 7

Nasogastric tube, IV catheter, rectal fluids

Question 8

When is enteral fluid therapy contraindicated in horses?

Answer 8

If gastric reflux is present, indicating GI obstruction

Question 9

How is IV fluid therapy administered in equine colic cases?

Answer 9

Jugular catheter using Hartmann’s/Lactated Ringer’s

Bolus therapy (10-20 ml/kg) first, then reassess

Replace fluid deficit + maintenance + ongoing losses over 24h

Question 10

How much fluid can you give a horse via nasogastric tube?

Answer 10

1-15L/100kg