Fluid calculations are commonly used in practice, and both RVNs and SVNs should have adequate knowledge of how to calculate fluid requirements. When evaluating a patient ' s hydration status, it is important to use a range of tests, including a physical examination and appropriate diagnostic testing.

Whenever IVFT is used within practice, VNs should work together with the VS to select the most appropriate fluids, and the correct fluid rate, for the patient.

REFERENCES

1 O ' Dwyer L, Girling S. Small animal fluid therapy. In: Cooper B, Mullineaux E, Turner L.( eds.) BSAVA Textbook of Veterinary Nursing. 6th ed. Gloucester: BSAVA; 2023. p. 641 – 668.

2 Robinson R. Practical fluid therapy in companion animals – part 1. Vet Times. 2016. Available from: https:// www. vettimes. co. uk / app / uploads / wp-post-to-pdf-enhanced-cache / 1 / practical-fluidtherapy-in-companion-animals-part-1. pdf [ Accessed 1 July 2024 ].

3 Aspinall A, Cappello M. Introduction to Animal and Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology. 4th ed. Wallingford: CABI Publishing; 2020.

4 Linklater A, Hanson KR. The fluid resuscitation plan in animals. MSD Veterinary Manual. 2020. Available from: https:// www. msdvetmanual. com / emergency-medicine-and-critical-care / fluid-therapy / the-fluidresuscitation-plan-in-animals [ Accessed 1 July 2024 ].

5 Pet Blood Bank. Available from: https:// www. petbloodbankuk. org / [ Accessed 1 July 2024 ].

6 Donohoe C. Fluid Therapy for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses. Ames: John Wiley & Sons; 2012.

7 Boag A, Marshall R. Small animal first aid and emergencies. In: Cooper B, Mullineaux E, Turner L.( eds.) BSAVA Textbook of Veterinary Nursing. 6th ed. Gloucester: BSAVA; 2023. p. 598 – 640.

8 Mullineaux E. Veterinary laboratory equipment and techniques. In: Cooper B, Mullineaux E, Turner L.( eds.) BSAVA Textbook of Veterinary Nursing. 6th ed. Gloucester: BSAVA; 2023. p. 492 – 531.

9 Cole L. Usefulness of lactate measurement in practice. Vet Times. 2015. Available from: https:// www. vettimes. com / news / vets / smallanimal-vets / usefulness-of-lactate-measurement-in-practice [ Accessed 5 January 2026 ].

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