Veterinary Fluid Rate Calculator
Calculate maintenance, deficit, and drip rates for clinical fluid therapy.
Calculation Results
Dehydration Deficit: 0 ml
24h Maintenance: 0 ml
Total Volume (24h): 0 ml
Fluid Rate (ml/hr): 0 ml/hr
Drip Rate: 0 drops/minute
Approx: 1 drop every 0 seconds
Understanding Veterinary Fluid Rate Calculations
Fluid therapy is a cornerstone of veterinary emergency and critical care. When calculating fluid rates, clinicians typically divide the total fluid requirement into three distinct categories:
- Maintenance Requirements: The amount of fluid needed to sustain normal metabolic processes. This is usually estimated at 40–60 ml/kg/day for dogs and cats.
- Dehydration Deficit: The volume required to replace fluid already lost. This is calculated by multiplying the animal's weight (kg) by the percentage of dehydration (as a decimal) and converting to milliliters (1kg = 1000ml).
- Ongoing Losses: Estimated volume of fluids lost through vomiting, diarrhea, or polyuria during the treatment period.
Example Calculation
Case: A 10kg dog is 5% dehydrated.
Maintenance: 10kg × 60 ml/kg = 600 ml/day
Deficit: 10kg × 0.05 × 1000 = 500 ml
Total 24h Volume: 600 + 500 = 1100 ml
Hourly Rate: 1100 ml / 24 hrs = 45.8 ml/hr
Fluid Deficit Clinical Signs
- < 5%: History of loss, but no detectable physical signs.
- 5-7%: Mildly decreased skin turgor, dry mucous membranes.
- 8-10%: Moderate skin tenting, retracted eyes (enophthalmos), increased capillary refill time (CRT).
- 10-12%: Severe skin tenting, cold extremities, signs of shock (tachycardia).
Note: This calculator is for educational purposes. Always clinical assessment should guide fluid therapy. Monitor for signs of fluid overload (serous nasal discharge, chemosis, increased respiratory rate).