An Evidence-Based Approach to Fluid Therapy (London)

Fluid therapy is one of the most frequently performed interventions in small animal practice, yet common misconceptions persist about which fluids to use, how much to give, and when. Fluids should be considered, as we do for any other drug, with particular indications, doses, pharmacokinetics and contraindications. This one-day course will give you a practical, evidence-based framework for making fluid therapy decisions.

During the day we will cover the fundamentals of fluid physiology, examining the evidence base behind maintenance and surgical fluid rates and challenging the continued use of arbitrary multiples of maintenance that remain widespread. You’ll learn when to use each type of fluid, and gain a clear understanding of how to construct a rational fluid plan tailored to the individual patient. The crystalloid versus colloid debate will be addressed, as will the role of plasma as a therapeutic option (including practical considerations for its use) in a first-opinion setting. Finally, using case examples throughout the day you’ll learn how to approach decisions in patients with abnormal acid base or electrolyte values, as well as in particularly challenging conditions such as cardiac disease and acute kidney injury.

Topics to be covered include:

• Fundamentals of fluid physiology
• Which type of fluid to use
• Using plasma in first opinion practice
• Prescribing fluid therapy for specific conditions