Question

When is fluid therapy used in veterinary practices? What factors must be considered when choosing the ideal route? When do the topical applications are used in veterinary practices, provide examples?

Answer 1

Topical applications in veterinary sciences:

1. Transdermal delivery system – elicit clinical responses by carrying medication across the skin barrier to the blood stream. Examples are transdermal gel and patches that are used in companion animals.
2. Dosage forms are unique to veterinary medicine, such as spot- on, pour on and back liner formulations
3. Various forms of topical medications are as follows:
   1. Dusting powder- finely divided insoluble powder containing ingredients such as talc, zinc oxide or starch. Ex: DVL- dusting powder 5%, veterinary formula clinical care, neo sulf
   2. Cream- semisolid emulsion formulated for application to the skin or mucous membranes. Droplet diameter in topical emulsions generally ranges from 0.1-100µm. examples- natur vet tender foot, zymox, Sentry 01911
   3. Ointment- a greasy, semisolid preparation that contains dissolved or dispersed drug. Ointments are indicated for chronic, dry lesions and contraindicated in exudative lesions. Ex: Durvet Nu-tock ointment, Actavis triple antibiotic
   4. Paste- stiff preparations containing a high proportion of finely powdered solids such as strch, zinc oxide etc. paste are indicated for ulcerated lesions. Ex: Squish face 2 Oz Wrinkle paste
   5. Solution – mixture of 2 or more components that form a single phase down to the molecular level. Ex:TravelEZ, Nuflor

Fluid therapy in veterinary sciences:

1. Hydration status of the animal is estimated by history evaluation, physical examination findings, and laboratory tests.
2. Assessing the water and electrolyte balance
3. Decreased fluid intake
4. Increased fluid loss through- urination, vomiting, diarrhea
5. Circulating volume is decreased
6. Signs of hypovolemic shock
7. Decrease in interstitial compartment volume leads to tachycardia, alteration in peripheral pulses and collapse of peripheral veins.
8. During anesthesia
9. Fluid- responsive shock syndrome

Ideal route for fluid therapy:

1. Intravenous route: it is preferred when the patient is ill, when fluid loss is severe or critical.
2. Subcutaneous route: convenient route for fluid therapy in small dogs and cats. This route accommodate large volumes of fluid, potassium be used in concentration up to 30mEq/ L without irritation. Approximately 10mL/kg or 50-200ml of fluid can be administered.