Introduction to Fluid Therapy in Neonatal Foal. Field and Clinic

INTRODUCTION TO FLUID THERAPY IN NEONATAL FOAL- FIELD AND CLINIC

There are new approaches to use of fluids in neonatal foals. There are two fluid plans: Resuscitation and observation for improvement and then maintenance. Isotonic fluids at 20 ml/kg IV as a 30-60 min bolus of isotonic fluid and reevaluation of clinical signs are approaches to resuscitation. Fluid stops once urination or clinical improvement is noted. Maintenance fluid uses a different form of fluids (hypotonic) and is 3-5 ml/kg/hr. Briefly, any hypoglycemia, acidosis and dehydration should be corrected and renal perfusion maintained. Once initial deficits have been replaced, administration of an isotonic electrolyte fluid containing a physiologic concentration of sodium to neonatal foals that require maintenance fluid therapy leads to sodium retention. Therefore reserve isotonic fluids for correction of initial deficits and then replace with hypotonic fluids such as 5% dextrose. […]