KRUUSE I Infusion Assessing Hydration Status in Rabbits and Rodents Determining fluid status in small patients is very similar to larger ones, and we can use the same guidelines to assess the animal: n A mild degree below 5% is not easily clinically detectable, so if we have doubts, or know we are going to challenge the homeostasis by upcoming procedures like anesthesia or surgery, it is wise to hydrate the patient n A dehydration status above 5% is detectable and should be treated before undergoing surgical procedures n With a dehydration status of 10% or more, we are dealing with critical cases. This degree of imbalance will affect the cardiovascular system and can potentially lead to shock or death Clinical assessment does not vary much from larger animals. Most signs are easily detected by observing basic behavior and appearance, such as: n Loss of appetite n Body weight (remember: a weight loss of 100 g in a 1 kg rabbit = 10% weight loss! As are examples like 3 g in a normally 30 g hamster and 25 g in a 250 g Chinchilla) n Urine and fecal output in the cage during the past 12 hours or more n Does the rodent look depressed or inactive? Maybe even appear weak? n Skin turgor: Gently lift the skin of the animal’s neck to see if it snaps right back. (>2 seconds means severe dehydration in rodents. Likely >10 %) n Sunken and dry eyes n Mucus membranes and capillary refill times www.kruuse.com
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