3 Steps to Calculate a Fluid Plan

Jeffrey Backus, CVT, RVT, VTS (ECC), ER/ICU veterinary technician at Tufts University, explains the 3-part process for calculating a fluid plan. First, you need to calculate how much fluid loss the patient has experienced and how fast you want to replace that deficit. Then, you need to figure out if the patient is experiencing any other ongoing fluid losses. Last, you need to supplement their daily maintenance requirement.

Once you calcuate all 3 parts, you come up with usually a very high number for your fluid plan that you should use as a benchmark for the patient.