What are intraoperative I.V. fluids?
These are fluids given intravenously (into the bloodstream) before, during, and after a
procedure/anaesthetic.
What are the key benefits of providing I.V. fluids?
The biggest side-effect of anaesthesia is hypotension (low blood pressure) and I.V. fluids
help us to maintain/increase blood pressure. The kidneys, liver, and heart in particular
are very sensitive to changes in blood pressure. If the animal already has some
kidney/liver/cardiac issues, keeping the blood pressure within a normal range becomes
especially important.
We can replace fluids that might be lost during surgery. For example, if there is some
bleeding, we can replace some of the fluids lost in the blood.
We help correct dehydration that might have occurred before surgery.
We can help correct electrolyte imbalances.
By having I.V. fluids in place, we are also more quickly able to give emergency drugs if
needed.
Which patients are I.V. fluids often recommended for?
Patients over the age of 7 years are more likely to have issues with organs that are sensitive
to changes in blood pressure, so I.V. fluids are often routinely recommended for these
animals. I.V. fluids may also be recommended if we are aware of a medical condition which
would benefit from their use (eg. kidney disease/liver disease/dehydration/heart disease).
They may also be recommended if the animal is to have a long anaesthetic which increases
their chance of hypotension (low blood pressure).
Here are some important pre-surgery questions that our customers like to discuss with our vets.
