Target species
Dogs and cats.
Indications for use, specifying the target species
For the treatment of dehydration to correct water and electrolyte depletion where the patient’s carbohydrate store is considered to be depleted. It is also indicated in the management of Addisonian crisis and urethral obstruction.
Contraindications
Sodium overload may occur in cases with myocardial and renal damage. It should also be appreciated that in the period following surgical interference or severe trauma there may be an inability to excrete excessive sodium.
Special warnings for each target species
In evaluating an animal for possible fluid therapy the state of hydration, electrolyte balance, acid-base balance, renal function and caloric balance should be considered. Evaluation will be based on history, physical examination and laboratory testing.
The solution is not suitable for protracted use unless there is a heavy and continued loss of electrolytes. The difficulty arises from a danger of potassium imbalance. In cases of potassium deficiency the administration of normal saline will increase potassium loss. Where such deficiency is known to occur it may be necessary to give oral potassium supplements.
Special precautions for use
i. Special precautions for use in animals
Before use, the bag should be inspected and rejected if the solution is not clear or if the inner container is damaged. The solution should be pre-warmed to 37oC to prevent hypothermia. Thrombosis of a chosen vein is always a possibility with intravenous infusion. If infusion is protracted then another vein should be selected after 12-24 hours.
ii. Special precautions for the person administering the veterinary medicinal products to animals
Wash hands after use.
iii.Other precautions
None.
Adverse reactions (frequency and seriousness)
Hypernatraemia (sodium overload) or an inability to excrete excessive sodium – see Overdose.
Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay
There are no contra-indications to use of this product during pregnancy and lactation.
Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Drugs should not be mixed in infusion containers or through the giving sets unless the components are of known compatibility. The user should refer to the manufacturer’s literature for any drug substance which he or she proposes to coadminister, and also to the Appendix of Drug Incompatibilities in the current edition of The Veterinary Formulary.
Amount(s) to be administered and administration route
Remove outer bag and protective giving set inlet tab. Push cannula fully into giving set. Prime giving set. Perform venepuncture and immediately attach giving set. Adjust infusion rate as required. Delivery is from a closed circuit, it does not need an air inlet. Giving sets should be changed every 24 hours. The quantity of fluid and electrolyte for administration will consider existing deficits, maintenance needs and continuing losses.
The existing deficit is that which has been lost prior to examination. This must be estimated by evaluating the patient’s history, making a physical examination and using laboratory aids. Maintenance therapy is to replace normal losses occurring via urine, faeces, respiratory tract and skin. As a general rule, maintenance therapy requires 50 ml/kg bodyweight/day. Continuing losses during a disease period should be estimated whenever possible, i.e., quantity of vomit, diarrhoea or blood loss.
The clinical response of the animal rather than formulae or equations should be used to guide fluid therapy. The intravenous route of administration is preferred. Indwelling intravenous catheters offer significant advantage in intravenous fluid therapy. Subcutaneous administration may be used for isotonic and non-irritating solutions.
The rate of administration should be considered with each individual patient. The aim should be to correct about half of the calculated deficit in the first 1-2 hours. As a general rule the following formula is the maximum satisfactory rate (less where cardiovascular or pulmonary disease exists). Maximum rate = Body wt (kg) × 90 = ml fluid per hour. This rate should be slowed after the first hour and considerably slowed if no urine flow is established. Signs of over rapid administration include restlessness, moist lung sounds, tachycardia, tachypnoea, nasal discharge, coughing, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Overdose (symptoms, emergency procedures, antidotes), if necessary
Symptoms: Associated signs of hypernatraemia include pronounced thirst, dry mucous membranes, constipation, hyperpyrexia, CNS disturbances, and ultimately convulsions. A plasma Na+ concentration of >150mEq/l and a urine specific gravity of >1.030 indicate a hypernatraemic state.
Treatment of overdosage: Injection of a diuretic.
Withdrawal period(s)
Not Applicable