Alternative Access Routes for Fluid Resuscitation

Fluid resuscitation in small animals is important in emergency situations and is utilized by every veterinary practice. Peripherally inserted intravenous catheters are an effective way of giving fluids to a veterinary patient. If an intravenous catheter is not obtainable, there are multiple other ways to administer fluids to a patient including dorsal pedal catheters, intraosseous catheters, central venous catheters, peripherally inserted central catheters, nasogastric tubes, nasoesophageal tubes and subcutaneous administration of fluids. This article will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each way of administration.