ANSWERS

1. List 6 routes for fluid administration.
   • Oral.
   • Intravenous.
   • Intraperitoneal.
   • Subcutaneous.
   • Intramedullary.
   • Rectal.
2. What are the advantages of oral rehydration?
   • Simple and inexpensive since minimal equipment and expertise required.
   • The owner can perform this at home.
   • Large volumes of fluid can be administered.
   • Most types of fluid may be used due to selective absorption.
3. What are the disadvantages of oral rehydration?
   • Slow absorption rate.
   • Contraindicated in vomiting patients.
   • Unsuitable in cases of circulatory shock.
   • Time consuming and may be stressful for the patient if force is required.
   • Danger of aspiration pneumonia if fluid administered by syringe.
   • Only suitable for mildly dehydrated animals.
4. What are the advantages of subcutaneous fluid therapy?
   • Simple, quick and inexpensive.
   • Useful in small animals such as hamsters where intravenous fluid therapy is impossible.
5. What are the disadvantages of subcutaneous fluid therapy?
   • Slow rate of absorption.
   • Unsuitable in cases of circulatory shock.
   • Painful. Irritation and sepsis may result.
   • Contraindicated if the skin is devitalised.
   • A limited range of fluids may be used (isotonic only).
   • Only small volumes of fluid can be administered (10-12mls/kg per injection site).
   • Only suitable in cases of mild dehydration.
6. What are the 2 main dangers associated with intraperitoneal fluid administration?
   • Peritonitis.
   • Risk of puncturing an abdominal organ.
7. What is the only method of fluid administration suitable for use in cases of circulatory shock?
   Intravenous fluid therapy.
8. Intravenous administration is the only possible route for certain therapeutic fluids; which ones?
   • Colloids.
   • Hypertonic solutions.
9. What are the 2 main risks associated with intravenous fluid therapy?
   • Thrombophlebitis.
   • Overtransfusion (particular risk if renal function is impaired).
10. What veins are most suitable for the placement of an intravenous catheter?
    • Cephalic.
    • Saphenous.
    • Jugular.
    • The marginal ear vein in rabbits.
11. What sites are suitable for intramedullary (intraosseous) fluid therapy?
    • The greater tubercle of the humerus.
    • Proximal medial tibia.
    • The tibial tuberosity.
    • The wing of the ileum.
    
    Note: A Key Notes table - Routes For Fluid Therapy - accompanies this module.