Dextrose Solution

Dextrose is D-glucose supplied in aqueous solutions of different concentrations for parenteral use. In veterinary practice, concentrated solutions are used for correction of hypoglycemia, while diluted solutions provide ongoing glucose supplementation. Additional applications include metabolic support in selected ketotic cattle and use alongside insulin when treating severe hyperkalemia.

Group

Glucose and fluid supplement

Mechanism of Action

Administered dextrose provides glucose for cellular energy production and raises blood glucose when circulating concentrations are inadequate. Glucose uptake and metabolism also stimulate endogenous insulin secretion in responsive patients. Insulin promotes cellular potassium uptake through effects that include stimulation of sodium–potassium ATPase. When dextrose accompanies exogenous insulin in hyperkalemia treatment, it supplies glucose while insulin produces the principal potassium-shifting effect.

Dose Rates

Dog

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
D5W fluid administration	Reference only	IV		5% dextrose 40–50 mL/kg per 24 hours. This volume-based fluid protocol is not a general electrolyte maintenance prescription.
Hypoglycemic crisis	Reference only	IV		The source gives 1 mL of 50% dextrose diluted with saline without a weight denominator or complete patient context. Do not generalize this as a fixed dose.

Cat

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
D5W fluid administration	Reference only	IV		5% dextrose 40–50 mL/kg per 24 hours. This volume-based fluid protocol is not a general electrolyte maintenance prescription.
Hypoglycemic crisis	Reference only	IV		The source gives 1 mL of 50% dextrose diluted with saline without a weight denominator or complete patient context. Do not generalize this as a fixed dose.

Horse

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
D5W fluid administration	Reference only	IV		5% dextrose 45 mL/kg per 24 hours; includes calves. Requires individualized fluid and electrolyte assessment.
Life-threatening hyperkalemia	8–16 mg/kg/min	IV	Continuous	Emergency infusion over 1 hour; monitor glucose and potassium closely.
Milder hyperkalemia	1–2 mg/kg/min	IV	Continuous

Cattle

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
D5W fluid administration	Reference only	IV		5% dextrose 45 mL/kg per 24 hours; includes calves. Requires individualized fluid and electrolyte assessment.
Ketosis or hepatic lipidosis	0.1–0.2 g/kg/hour	IV	Continuous	Up to 5 days; Dextrose mass rate; account for concentration, final fluid volume and electrolyte shifts.

Indications

Emergency correction of hypoglycemia in neonatal and adult veterinary patients, including hypoglycemia associated with insulin excess, insulinoma or severe systemic disease.
Ongoing glucose supplementation in patients with inadequate intake, excessive glucose utilization or impaired glucose regulation.
Glucose support during insulin-based treatment of severe hyperkalemia in dogs, cats and other veterinary patients.
Treatment of selected cases of bovine ketosis and glucose support in anorexic or recumbent cattle.
Adjunctive metabolic support in cattle with hepatic lipidosis and concurrent glucose deficiency.

Contraindications

D5W is unsuitable as the sole electrolyte replacement or maintenance fluid.

Adverse effects

Hyperglycemia, osmotic disturbances and pulmonary edema
Insulin-mediated hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia

Preparations

Preparation	Form	Strength	Route
Dextrose 5% IV solution	Injection	5 g / 100 mL	IV
Dextrose 50% IV solution Hypertonic; dilute as required for the clinical protocol.	Injection	50 g / 100 mL	IV

Monitoring and Administration

Monitor glucose, potassium, phosphorus, acid–base status and hydration.

D5W contains 50 mg/mL and 50% dextrose contains 500 mg/mL. Use a final-volume calculation when preparing dilutions; adding fluid changes the final denominator.

Hypertonic dextrose requires secure IV access and appropriate dilution. Single prophylactic doses have not shown established benefit for preventing dairy-cow ketosis.