Liz Buchanan BVSc MRCVS
Keymaster
More information about sub-cut fluids (for anyone else reading, this is fluid injected directly under the skin (i.e. with an injection needle) rather than into the circulation (i.e. a drip)). This can sometimes be useful in replacing long-term fluid losses, particularly for chronically ill (long-term ill) patients. It is a way to get fluid into a patient who cannot swallow water or keep it down. However, when an animal is acutely (quickly, or short-term) dehydrated (e.g. from vomiting and diarrhoea), the fluid losses often lead to a direct reduction in the volume of blood flowing through their body and this can impact on the circulation and thereby the kidneys. Such fluid losses can be accompanied by changes in the blood electrolytes that in turm affect the heart-rate, the muscle's ability to contract and the removal of waste products (which are potentially harmful), from the circulation. A drip will work faster to combat this life-threatening situation, putting the fluid back exactly where it is needed. Therefore, all puppies with vomiting and / or severe diarrhoea should see a vet.
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