Practical Approach to Fluid Therapy

INTRODUCTION Animals presenting with either acute or chronic disease can exhibit a wide variety of fluid imbalances. The cat that has been chronically vomiting may be dehydrated but have normal perfusion. The dog that has been hit by a car may require intravascular volume replacement to treat hemorrhagic shock but will have normal hydration. The puppy with parvoviral enteritis and severe diarrhea may require resuscitation of the intravascular space to improve perfusion, as well as replacement of interstitial volume deficits. It is often difficult to know where to start when determining which fluid to administer, when to reach for a colloid, and what fluid additives might be required.