Intravenous (IV) Fluids

Intravenous (IV) fluids can be essential in maintaining the stability of your pet while under anesthesia. Supplying fluids during anesthesia helps maintain your pet's blood pressure by facilitating intravascular volume support, which may correct hypovolemia resulting from vasodilation and blood loss that can occur during surgery1. IV fluid therapy also helps to prevent dehydration and ensures the continued proper function of the kidneys and other organs. The kidneys are made up of millions of small filtration units called nephrons, which are responsible for filtering waste chemicals and toxins from desirable materials in the body2. Keeping the kidneys properly hydrated under anesthesia will also help to metabolize the anesthesia products so that your pet can rid her body of them more quickly. And finally, the presence of an IV catheter, through which fluids are administered, allows for rapid administration of emergency medications in case of an unforeseen complication1. 
 
If you are interested in a more in depth explanation of any of these concepts, please consult the following documents on Anesthesia and IV Fluid Therapy. Or you may call us any time and a veterinary technician will be happy to discuss this with you.
 
(1) Bednarski, Richard; Ralph Harvey; Brett Sargent. AAHA Anesthesia Guidelines for Dogs and Cats* JAAHA | 47:6 Nov/Dec 2011, Pg 380.
 
(2) Brooks, Wendy C. The Pet Health Library: Fluid Therapy; http://www.veterinarypartner.com/; accessed 4/16/14; Pg 1