Infusion Therapy Guidelines Understanding infusion therapy is an important skill for vets and veterinary technicians. Key points include knowing when there is a need for fluid therapy, methods of providing fluids, types of fluids available, and how to keep patients safe while providing this vital treatment. KRUUSE’s mission is to help improve animal well-being and health by preventing and reducing suffering. We strive to share best practices by working closely with leading specialists. In these guidelines we will focus on intravenous fluid therapy. A big thank you to Liz Hughston, MEd, RVT, CVT, VTS (SAIM, ECC) for sharing her knowledge with us on infusion therapy. Read more about Liz Hughston at the end of these guidelines. Individualized Care n Fluid therapy must be individualized and tailored to each patient n Therapy is constantly re-evaluated and reformulated according to changes in patient status n Fluid selection is dictated by the patient’s needs, including volume, rate and fluid n Composition required, and location the fluid is needed (interstitial versus intravascular) n The appropriate route of fluid administration depends on the patient’s condition - Use oral fluids for patients with a functioning gastrointestinal system and no significant fluid imbalance - Use subcutaneous fluids to prevent losses. This route is not adequate for replacement therapy in anything other than very mild dehydration - Use intravenous or intra-osseous fluids for patients undergoing anesthesia; for hospitalized patients not eating or drinking normally; and to treat dehydration, shock, hyperthermia or hypotension Source: https://www.aaha.org/globalassets/02-guidelines/fluid-therapy/fluidtherapy_guidlines_toolkit.pdf 23
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