Fluid Therapy Made Simple: A Practical Approach for Dogs and Cats
Fluids aren’t one-size-fits-all—this lecture delivers a practical, physiology-driven framework to master fluid therapy in veterinary patients. Attendees will learn how to confidently assess and target fluid deficits across the intravascular, interstitial, and intracellular compartments, moving beyond blood pressure alone to recognize true perfusion status. Through real-world cases, we’ll break down how to rapidly identify hypovolemia, choose the right fluids, and tailor therapy to the patient’s losses, from shock to dehydration to ongoing maintenance needs.
Explore evidence-based strategies for balanced crystalloids, blood products, and plasma, while understanding when—and when not—to use them. We’ll also tackle high-stakes scenarios including sepsis, hypoproteinemia, and vascular leak, with a focus on protecting the glycocalyx and improving outcomes.
- Assess and differentiate fluid deficits by integrating physical examination findings, point-of-care diagnostics, and laboratory data to accurately identify hypovolemia, dehydration, and perfusion abnormalities.
- Develop tailored fluid therapy plans by selecting appropriate fluid types and administration strategies for intravascular volume resuscitation, dehydration correction, ongoing losses, and maintenance needs.
- Apply evidence-based resuscitation principles in critical patients, including the appropriate use of crystalloids, blood products, and plasma, while minimizing complications and optimizing patient outcomes in conditions such as shock, sepsis, and vascular leak.
