VPT 311: General and Systemic Veterinary Pharmacology (2+1)

CHOICE OF FLUID 

Proper selection of fluid begins by determining the type of deficit and choice of fluids-Colloid, crystalloid or combination of both

Fluid	Indications
Isotonic saline (Normal saline, 0.9%)	To correct metabolic acidosis, especially after vomiting
Isotonic dextrose saline (0.18% NaCl + 4.3% Dextrose)	Maintenance therapy, hypertonic dehydration
Darrow’s solution (0.4% NaCl + 0.27% KCl + 0.58% Sodium lactate)	Metabolic acidosis associated with diarrheal dehydration and potassium loss
5% Dextrose	Hypertonic dehydration resulting from water deprivation or heat stroke; used in emergency to provide transient alleviation of hypoglycaemia
Compound Sodium Lactate (Hartmann’s solution or Ringer’s lactate)	Metabolic acidosis, Replacement of losses owing to gastrointestinal dysfunction (vomiting, diarrhea), haemorrhage, burns
Dextrose Saline (0.9% NaCl + 5% Dextrose)	For emergency treatment of dehydration and hypoglycaemia
Sodium bicarbonate (1.3%)	Severe Acidosis
Whole blood	Replacement for blood loss in treating anaemia
Plasma expanders
Dextran	Effective in restoration of blood volume in cases of hemorrhage or shock.
Gelatin colloidal solution	Hypovolemic shock, burns, blood loss and diarrhea

Clinical Condition	Choice of fluid
Vomiting	Normal Saline Dextrose Saline Ringer’s solution
Diarrhea	Lactated Ringer’s Darrow’s fluid (In chronic cases with K+ loss)
Bowel obstruction	Lactated Ringer’s (+ colloid for shock)
Hemorrhage	Whole blood Lactated Ringer’s Colloid
Peritonitis	Colloid Lactated Ringer’s
Shock	Dextran + Hartmann’s Ringer’s Lactate Gelatin Colloid