Dechra Veterinary Products has launched free online Fluid Therapy Calculators to help veterinary staff calculate their patients' fluid requirements.

There are two versions available, small animal and equine. Both are available as an online tool or as a download to your desktop (note that to get hold of the desktop version, you need to try out the online calculator first). 

For small animals, there are three options available. The M1/M2/M3 Plan calculates simple multiplications of the maintenance rate, while the Comprehensive Plan calculates fluid required to provide maintenance requirements, correct dehydration or replace ongoing losses. The third option, the Simple Rate Calculator, is a tool for calculating resuscitation fluid rates and can also be used for large animals. The Equine Plan calculates fluid requirements and infusion rates for both adult horses and foals.  

Dechra says it has launched the calculators as the next component of its Vetivex Fluid support package. Along with the Fluids Knowledge Programme, this initiative aims to help veterinary staff across the UK to deliver effective fluid therapy. 

Larry King, Product Manager at Dechra, said: "The calculators are a quick and easy reference tool for today's busy vet. You simply fill in the body weight and animal type, key in a few details and you have an instant but very accurate fluid rate calculated for you. It saves time and effort and ensures the animal is given the correct amount of fluid. The more effective the fluid therapy regime the faster the animal recovers."

The free Fluid Therapy Calculator is just one of a number of tools Dechra uses to support its Vetivex range of fluids.  There is a range of downloadable reference documents, charts and guides available on the website http://www.fluidtherapy.co.uk/ including the Fluid Knowledge Programme and a full CPD Programme focused on effective fluid therapy.

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