ABSTRACT
Pediatric dogs and cats within their first 12 weeks of life have important electrolyte requirements and physiologic considerations that may impact fluid therapy. Fluid requirements are higher in pediatrics, while fluid losses are greater due to underdeveloped physiologic responses. Hydration and volume status are difficult to assess in young animals, and their small size makes intravenous (IV) access difficult to obtain. Young patients can quickly deteriorate from dehydration, poor husbandry, and infection and become critically ill, requiring prompt recognition, treatment, intensive care, and monitoring. Clinicians should be aware of all available routes of fluid administration including oral, subcutaneous (SC), intraperitoneal (IP), IV, and intraosseous (IO), and the limitations associated with each route.
