Fluid therapy in small animals
3. Colloid solutions
- Robert Goggs,
Robert Goggs graduated from Liverpool in 2004. He is currently a third-year resident in small animal emergency and critical care at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC).
- Karen Hummand
Karen Humm graduated from Cambridge in 2001. She is currently a third-year resident in small animal emergency and critical care at the RVC.
- Dez Hughes
Dez Hughes graduated from Liverpool in 1990. He was a senior lecturer and director of the Emergency and Critical Care service at the RVC from 2001 to 2007
Abstract
COLLOID fluid therapy is indicated to treat hypovolaemia and aid the maintenance of plasma volume and intravascular colloid osmotic pressure. The numerous types, preparations and concentrations of colloid solutions available all have varying indications, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Selection of a particular product should be based on a sound understanding of these individual characteristics, including their benefits, limitations and side effects. This article describes the properties of commonly used colloid solutions and their indications. Part 1, published in January 2008 (In Practice, volume 30, pp 16-19), discussed patient assessment and the principles of fluid therapy in small animals. Part 2, published in the last issue (In Practice, February 2008, volume 30, pp 85-91), reviewed crystalloid solutions.
- British Veterinary Association. All rights reserved.
