Case 2 Pearls

• The fluid of choice for animals with suspected hepatic disease is 0.45% NaCl plus 2.5% dextrose.

• A solution that contains a low level of sodium is needed because in the presence of liver disease, aldosterone is not metabolized, resulting in a tendency to retain sodium.

• Dextrose is added to the solution because of the liver's/body's decreased ability to mobilize glycogen.

• Solutions containing lactate are avoided because lactate will not be metabolized in the presence of hepatic compromise.