Intravenous fluids are used to treat a number of different conditions, including shock, hypovolemia, and dehydration. In general small animal practice, however, one of the most common use of IV fluids is to treat dehydration or ongoing fluid losses in a hospitalized patient.
Providing optimal fluid therapy requires careful selection of fluid type, as well as determining an appropriate fluid rate. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the risks that can accompany IV fluid therapy, so that you can minimize the likelihood of complications and detect complications promptly if they do occur.
