One way to assess hydration in an animal is to lift the skin over the animal's shoulder and watch how fast it goes back to its normal position. In a normal, healthy animal, if the skin between the shoulders is lifted up and then released, the skin will pop back to its normal position immediately.

In dehydrated animals, there is less fluid in the skin and it is less elastic. When lifted off the back, the skin of a dehydrated animal will not immediately fall back to its normal position.

 

Dehydration

Oral Treatment:  In mild cases without vomiting, fluids can be given by mouth.  If the animal won't drink, give an electrolyte solution by syringe.  Balanced electrolyte solutions such as Pedialyte, for treating dehydration in children, are available at drugstores.  They are given at the rate of two to four milliliters per pound of body weight per hour, depending on the severity of the dehydration. Caregivers should keep Pedialyte (or like product) on hand.  Because a bottle of Pedialyte must be used within 48 hours, freezing it is advised.  Pour it into an ice tray and freeze.  If you need it you can thaw cubes as needed.  Judy has powdered electrolytes which you can arrange to obtain by calling her.

 

Subcutaneous Treatment:  Subcutaneous means under the skin.  Fluids are delivered by injection under the skin.  If you have determined (or even suspect) that an animal is more than mildly dehydrated, arrangements need to be made to have the animal(s) injected with fluids.  Judy can do it or you can take them to the shelter.  One treatment is usually not enough.  Depending upon the severity, injected fluids once a day combined with oral treatment should get them out of trouble in a few days.  If you are able to administer fluids yourself Lactated Ringer's solution and equipment will be issued to you by the shelter.  If you wish to learn to administer fluids, Judy will be happy to teach you how.  (See “Injecting Fluids”) 

 

 

Dehydration is excess loss of body fluids.  Usually it involves loss of both water and electrolytes (which are minerals such as sodium, chloride, potassium). 

The four most common causes of dehydration are:

prolonged diarrhea ~ prolonged vomiting ~ not drinking water ~ fever

Dehydration can be deadly     Early detection is crucial

If a pet has lost 6-8% of its normal fluid, there will be a definite delay in the skin returning to its normal position. If the pet is 10-12% dehydrated, the skin will actually look like a tent and not go back to its normal position. Signs of shock may be evident. If a pet is over 12% dehydrated, it is an extreme emergency. 

Other ways to assess dehydration are to examine the mucous membranes (gums); they should be moist. In a dehydrated animal, the eyes may appear sunken in. In very dehydrated animals the heart rate may be increased, but the pulse would be weak.

If diarrhea persists over three days, a young animal will almost certainly be dehydrated.

Treatment

Timely diagnosis and early treatment is the key to success in curing dehydration.

Subcutaneous Fluids are VERY effective and immediate results are usually obvious.

Five week old kitten receiving fluids without restraint.

 

SubQ fluids are a painless life saver.

The large accumulation of fluid that you see under this cat’s skin will be absorbed in as quickly as 5 minutes when a cat is very dehydrated.  The fluids will be absorbed more slowly if the dehydration is not severe.