The other fluids on shelf – fluid therapy beyond lactated Ringer’s

Lactated Ringer’s solution is our go to balanced isotonic crystalloid fluid, used to treat hypovolemic shock and dehydration, as well as to provide for maintenance and replace abnormal ongoing losses in dogs and cats. Yet, there are many other crystalloid and colloid fluids available to us as veterinarians that may be appropriate to use in specific circumstances. This session will review key features of fluids such as 0.45% NaCl, D5W, 0.9% NaCl, isotonic bicarbonate, hypertonic saline, albumin containing fluids, and synthetic colloids, including when to use them, and when their use is contraindicated.

At the end of this lecture attendees will be able to:

• Describe the features of hypotonic crystalloids such as 0.45% NaCl and D5W, and how they may be used to correct a free water deficit manifesting as hypernatremia.
• Describe the features of hypertonic crystalloids such as 7.5% NaCl, and how they may be used where hyperosmolar therapy is indicated, such as to reduce intracranial pressure in patients with traumatic brain injury.
• Describe the features of synthetic colloid fluids, and how our understanding of their effects has changed over time with the revised Starling principle and studies suggesting the potential for harm.
• Explain the role of fluid additives such as 50% glucose, potassium, and bicarbonate, in fluid therapy.