Physical exam parameters for assessing hydration status
The following physical exam parameters can be used to assess the hydration status in a feline patient:
- Mucous membrane color: In a well-hydrated cat, the mucous membranes should be pink and moist. In a dehydrated cat, the mucous membranes may be pale, dry, and tacky.
- Skin turgor: To test skin turgor, pinch the skin on the back of the cat’s neck. In a well-hydrated cat, the skin should snap back into place quickly. In a dehydrated cat, the skin will stay pinched up for a few seconds.
- Palpation of the eyeballs: In a well-hydrated cat, the eyeballs should feel slightly soft. In a dehydrated cat, the eyeballs may feel sunken in.
- Body weight: A loss of 5% or more of body weight is indicative of dehydration.
Percentages of dehydration and signs on examination
The following table shows the different percentages of dehydration and the signs you may see on examination with each one:
| Percentage of dehydration |
Signs on examination |
| 3-5% |
Mucous membranes are slightly tacky. Skin turgor is slightly decreased. |
| 5-8% |
Mucous membranes are dry. Skin turgor is decreased. The cat may be lethargic and have a decreased appetite. |
| 8-10% |
Mucous membranes are very dry. Skin turgor is severely decreased. The cat may be weak and have a decreased level of consciousness. |
| >10% |
Mucous membranes are dusky or gray. Skin turgor is absent. The cat may be in shock. |
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Purpose of each phase of fluid therapy
The three phases of fluid therapy are:
- Resuscitation phase: This phase is used to restore the cat’s blood volume and organ perfusion. The goal of this phase is to give the cat enough fluids to improve its clinical signs.
- Maintenance phase: This phase is used to keep the cat’s hydration status normal. The goal of this phase is to give the cat enough fluids to meet its daily fluid requirements.
- Replacement phase: This phase is used to replace any fluids that the cat loses due to vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes. The goal of this phase is to keep the cat’s hydration status normal.
Calculation of fluid rates for each needed phase of fluid therapy
The fluid rate for each phase of fluid therapy is calculated using the following formula:
Fluid rate (mL/hour) = Body weight (kg) * 0.05 * % dehydration
For example, a 8-pound cat (3.63 kg) that is 10% dehydrated would need a fluid rate of:
Fluid rate (mL/hour) = 3.63 kg * 0.05 * 10% = 1.815 mL/hour
Monitoring of IV fluid therapy
The following parameters should be monitored during IV fluid therapy:
- Fluid intake: This should be measured to ensure that the cat is receiving enough fluids.
- Fluid output: This should be measured to ensure that the cat is not overhydrated.
- Body weight: This should be monitored to track the cat’s fluid status.
- Mucous membrane color: This should be monitored to assess the cat’s hydration status.
- Skin turgor: This should be monitored to assess the cat’s hydration status.
- Blood pressure: This should be monitored to assess the cat’s cardiovascular status.
- Heart rate: This should be monitored to assess the cat’s cardiovascular status.
- Respiratory rate: This should be monitored to assess the cat’s respiratory status.
Importance of monitoring patients receiving IV fluid therapy
It is important to monitor patients receiving IV fluid therapy to ensure that they are receiving the correct amount of fluids and that the fluids are not causing any adverse effects. By monitoring the patient closely, any problems can be detected early and treated promptly.
Emergency care
Emergency care is the immediate care given to a patient who is experiencing a life-threatening condition. The goal of emergency care is to stabilize the patient and prevent further complications.
The specific treatments that are given in emergency care will vary depending on the patient’s condition. However, some common treatments include:
- Airway management: This may involve clearing the airway of obstructions, inserting an artificial airway, or providing oxygen therapy.
Cardiovascular support: This may involve administering fluids, medications, or electrical cardioversion.
