If your pet is dehydrated, in shock, severely anaemic, in severe pain or requires glucose or electrolytes then it is likely that your pet will be given intravenous fluids (fluids directly into a vein). This occurs over time and is extremely well tolerated by most pets and often makes them feel considerably better. Accurate rates of giving are ensured through use of the infusion pumps.
Many intravenous fluids exist, each of which has its own set of uses. V.E.T.S routinely stocks a full range of intravenous fluids ranging from saline through to blood products* and artificial haemoglobin-based oxygen-carrying solutions so that should your pet require a product then it is readily available.
*Currently only canine blood products are routinely available. Feline blood products require a suitable donor to be found.
With so many fluids to choose from, how do we know your pet is getting the right fluid? By efficiently utilising the blood analysis equipment that V.E.T.S has, we are able to select the most appropriate intravenous fluid (and make supplementations) if required. Repeat blood sampling allows any necessary changes to be made.
