Fluid therapy in mature cattle

Fluid and electrolyte replacement therapy is an indispensable therapeutic m odality in modern cattle practice; however, it is not easy. Several factors limit the frequency of use and effectiveness of fluid therapy in mature ca ttle. The sheer size of the patient presents several challenges for the att ending veterinarian. Restraint can be a problem, especially for long-term i ntravenous administration. Fluids for intravenous use should be prepared fr om distilled, nonpyrogenic water and should ideally be sterilized; this mak es them inconvenient and costly. When fluid therapy is performed on the far m, much of the monitoring of intravenous administration must be performed b y the owner. In some situations, the veterinarian must personally administe r and monitor all of the fluids for intravenous use. This can lead to the u se of inadequate volumes and very rapid administration rates. The most freq uently occurring acid-base and electrolyte abnormalities in mature cattle a re quite different from those in calves and nonruminants. Therefore, few co mmercially prepared solutions are optimal for the majority of mature cattle requiring rehydration therapy. Excuses to avoid using fluid and electrolyt e therapy abound; yet, if one desires to provide the optimal care to one's patients, there are situations where there is no substitute.