Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2025 Oct 15:S0195-5616(25)00149-4. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2025.09.019. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
This article reviews fluid therapy principles for puppies and kittens, emphasizing their higher and distinct fluid and electrolyte requirements compared to adults. It discusses clinical signs, diagnostic tools, and routes of administration-preferably enteral, with intravenous and intraosseous for severe cases. Tailored maintenance rates and rehydration strategies are outlined, highlighting the importance of rapid, appropriate fluid replacement in dehydration, ongoing losses, and shock. The text underscores the necessity of close monitoring and individualized treatment plans, considering the unique physiology of neonatal and pediatric animals. Proper fluid management is essential to improve survival and health outcomes in this vulnerable population.
PMID:41102091 | DOI:10.1016/j.cvsm.2025.09.019
