Vetdrugs 2.0Normal saline is an isotonic crystalloid containing 0.9% sodium chloride, equivalent to approximately 154 mmol/L each of sodium and chloride. It is used for extracellular fluid replacement and selected sodium- or chloride-depletion disorders. Sterile injectable saline also serves as a compatible vehicle in many veterinary treatment protocols.
Group
Isotonic crystalloid; sodium and chloride replacement
Mechanism of Action
Sodium and chloride remain predominantly in the extracellular compartment and retain accompanying water, expanding plasma and interstitial fluid volumes. Restoration of extracellular volume can improve circulating volume and tissue perfusion in depleted patients. Chloride replacement also supports correction of chloride-responsive metabolic alkalosis. Its unbuffered, chloride-rich composition influences the acid–base effect of substantial fluid replacement.
Dose Rates
Dogs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluid supplementation | Reference only | IV | Volume-based regimen: 1.5-2.5 mL/kg/hour when no deficit is present; not a balanced maintenance solution. Adjust electrolytes and ongoing losses individually. | |
| Dehydration replacement | Reference only | IV | Older reference schedules: moderate dehydration 15-30 mL/kg/hour; severe dehydration 50 mL/kg/hour. Titrate to repeated assessment; lower rates may be required with renal or cardiac disease. |
Cats
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluid supplementation | Reference only | IV | Volume-based regimen: 1.5-2.5 mL/kg/hour when no deficit is present; not a balanced maintenance solution. Adjust electrolytes and ongoing losses individually. | |
| Dehydration replacement | Reference only | IV | Older reference schedules: moderate dehydration 15-30 mL/kg/hour; severe dehydration 50 mL/kg/hour. Titrate to repeated assessment; lower rates may be required with renal or cardiac disease. |
Cattle
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calf dehydration | Reference only | IV | Calves: moderate deficit 45 mL/kg; severe deficit 80-90 mL/kg, delivered at 30-40 mL/kg/hour with reassessment. The source permits up to 80 mL/kg/hour in selected severe cases; this is not a routine rate. |
Indications
- Replacement of extracellular fluid deficits in selected dehydrated veterinary patients.
- Volume support in selected hypovolemic patients.
- Treatment of selected sodium and chloride depletion, including chloride-responsive metabolic alkalosis associated with fluid loss.
Contraindications
- Fluid overload or uncontrolled hypernatraemia requires an alternative or specifically controlled plan.
Interactions
- Compatibility must be established for each added medication; do not assume an admixture is stable.
Adverse effects
- Volume overload, hyperchloraemic acidosis and dilutional electrolyte changes.
- Prolonged use can contribute to hypokalaemia.
Toxicity
Stop or reduce infusion for overload; reassess perfusion, electrolytes and respiratory function.
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium Chloride Injection IP 0.9% Contains 9 g sodium chloride per litre. Use a sterile infusion presentation; irrigation-only containers are not injectable. | Injection | 9 mg / mL | IV |
Monitoring and Administration
Determine deficits from fractional dehydration × body weight in kg × 1000 mL, then add ongoing losses and appropriate maintenance needs.
Reassess pulse quality, blood pressure, respiratory rate, urine output, body weight and sodium/chloride during treatment. This is not a balanced long-term maintenance fluid.
The older high-rate dehydration schedules below require individual reassessment; they are not universal shock boluses.