Many veterinary professionals find calculating IV fluid rates challenging! This cheat sheet will help you recall what calculations are needed in order to determine your’s patient’s estimated IV fluid rate.

It is crucial to remember that these calculations are guidelines only, and need to be adjusted based on your patient’s individual status – for example, patients at risk of fluid overload will need to have their IV fluid rate adjusted (lowered) from what was calculated.

Continuously monitor your patient while on IV fluid therapy, and adjust the fluid rate and fluid type as indicated. Remember that fluids are considered to be drugs, are not benign, and come with risks; fluid overload is life-threatening!