The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice
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Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract. · May 2008
ReviewManaging fluid and electrolyte disorders in renal failure.
Because of the role of the kidneys in maintaining homeostasis in the body, kidney failure leads to derangements of fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance. The most effective therapy of a uremic crisis is careful management of fluid balance, which involves thoughtful assessment of hydration, a fluid treatment plan personalized for the specific patient, repeated and frequent reassessment of fluid and electrolyte balance, and appropriate changes in the treatment plan in response to the rapidly changing clinical situation of the patient that has renal failure. Disorders of sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus are commonly encountered in renal failure and may be life threatening. Treatment of metabolic acidosis and nutritional support are frequently needed.
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Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract. · May 2008
ReviewMaintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in heart failure.
Advanced heart failure and its treatment are often associated with a variety of hemodynamic, fluid, and electrolyte derangements. This article gives the practitioner an overview of the pathophysiology of common fluid and electrolyte alterations present in animals with heart failure, highlighting specific clinical correlates. Additionally, specific therapeutic interventions are discussed to manage these fluid and electrolyte abnormalities.
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Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract. · May 2008
ReviewFluid therapy: options and rational administration.
Fluid administration is a primary component of therapy in many small animal patients. Several different classes of fluid may be given, and there are multiple options within each class. ⋯ Monitoring vital parameters and bedside monitoring of laboratory variables allow assessment of fluid therapy success or failure. Successful fluid administration also requires that parenteral fluid therapy ultimately be discontinued with minimal adverse effects for the patient.
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Many conditions of pediatric patients require fluid therapy. Depending on the veterinarian's assessment of hydration and perfusion status, fluids can be administered orally, subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, intravenously, or by the intraosseous route. ⋯ Typical parameters used to assess hydration status in adult animals do not always apply to pediatric patients. Veterinarians should be aware of differences between pediatric patients and adult animals in terms of physical assessment, common presentations, and fluid requirements for resuscitation and maintenance needs.
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Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract. · May 2008
Review Case ReportsMaking sense of blood gas results.
Recent technologic advances have allowed the production and marketing of cage-side blood gas analyzers to private practitioners. The widespread use of cage-side portable blood gas analyzers in veterinary practices has increased the need to develop the basic skills of blood gas analysis as part of a tool kit for practicing veterinarians. Rapid expansion of emergency and critical care medicine as a specialty and increased numbers of veterinary emergency and veterinary specialty practices have occurred concurrently with the availability of blood gas analyzers that are affordable for private practitioners. As a result, evaluation of blood gas results is no longer an activity confined to academic institutions and has become a daily part of many practicing veterinarians' activities.