What Type of Fluid Should You Give Your Patient?

Deborah Silverstein, DVM, DACVECC, associate professor of critical care at the University of Pennsylvania, says knowing which type of fluid to give veterinary patients requires understanding the underlying disease process.

Dr. Silverstein says more and more we're realizing a balanced electrolyte fluid is better than an unbalanced electrolyte fluid for resuscitation of the basic shock patient—except for specific circumstances.