2. The administered fluids should be warmed to body temperature or 1 to 2 degrees above.  Warmth will stimulate increased circulation to the area and enhance absorption of the fluids, as well as warm the animal. 

3.The fluids administered should be isotonic, because hypertonic fluids will tend to withdraw fluid from the vasculature and prolong the rate of absorption. 

Lactated Ringers (Isotonic) 

Saline 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Isotonic) 

50% dextrose in 0.9% sodium chloride solution (Hypertonic)

5.The administered fluids should be sterile in order to reduce the chance of subcutaneous abscess formation. 

6.The site of administraton should be clean.  When a drip is used and the needle lift in place, the sites of injection should be clipped and aseptically prepared to reduce bacterial contamination. 

7.The rate at which fluids may be administered is variable.  They can be given by bolus or rapid flow, but it is best to hook up an IV administration set and allow the fluids to run at a fast drip rate.  This allows more even distrbution of the fluid in the subcutaneous space. 

8. The preferred sites for administration are high up on the neck or thorax, just cranial to the shoulder or caudal to the scapula.  This provides four sites for administration per animal and the fluids can be equally distributed among these four sites. 

9. You can expect uneventful absorption of the fluid at the rate of 15ml/kg (7ml/lb). This amount of subutaneous fluid is usually absorbed within 4-6 hours. 

10.The patient should be monitored for excess fluid accumulation and vetral gravitation of administered fluid. 

Providing oral and SQ fluid concurrently will usuall bring the moderately dehydrated animal back to normal hydration.  Subsequent electrolyte and fluid therepy can then be administered orally .