| Solution | Na+ (mEq/L) | Cl– (mEq/L) | K+ (mEq/L) | Mg2+ (mEq/L) | Ca2+ (mEq/L) | Dextrose (g/L) | Organic Anion (mEq/L) | pH | Osmolarity (mOsm/L) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hypertonic | |||||||||
| 7.2% NaCl | 1,232 | 1,232 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5.0 (4.5-7) | 2,464 |
| 3.0% NaCl | 513 | 513 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5.0 (4.5-7) | 1,027 |
| Isotonic | |||||||||
| 0.9% NaCl | 154 | 154 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5.0 (4.5-7) | 308 |
| LRS | 130 | 109 | 4 | 0 | 2.7 | 0 | Lactate 28 | 6.5 | 275 |
| Plasma-Lyte A | 140 | 98 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Acetate 27 Gluconate 23 | 7.4 | 294 |
| Sterofundin ISO | 145 | 127 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 0 | Acetate 24 Malate 5 | 5.5-5.9 | 309 |
| Normosol-R | 140 | 98 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Acetate 27 Gluconate 23 | 5.5 | 294 |
| Plasma Lyte-148 | 140 | 98 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Acetate 27 Gluconate 23 | 5.5 | 294 |
| Hypotonic | |||||||||
| 0.45% NaCl | 77 | 77 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5.6 | 154 |
| Plasma Lyte 56 in 5% dextrose | 40 | 40 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 5 | Acetate 16 | 3.5-6 | 363 |
| 0.45% NaCl + 2.5% dextrose 2.5% dextrose | 77 | 77 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 4.5 | 280 |
| 0.2% NaCl + 5% dextrose 5% dextrose | 34 | 34 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 50 | 0 | 4.4 | 320 |
| D5W | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 50 | 0 | 4.0 | 252 |
About this calculator
This calculator is designed to help veterinarians calculate a total fluid rate in small animal patients based on their body weight, degree of dehydration and anticipated ongoing losses (e.g. vomiting, diarrhea, polyuria, panting, etc).
The maintenance fluid rate is calculated based on the following formula: 70*BW(raised to the power of 0.75)
VetEmCrit Academy is dedicated to providing veterinarians with cutting-edge resources and evidence-based tools for managing electrolyte and acid-base disorders. Whether you’re treating common electrolyte imbalances or tackling complex cases, VetEmCrit Academy offers guidance that helps clinicians progress from novice to expert. With practical tools like this calculator and case-based learning, the academy supports continuous education and improved patient care.
Disclaimer
This veterinary calculator is intended for informational and educational purposes only.
The creator of this tool is not responsible for clinical decisions or medical errors resulting from its use.
Users are encouraged to consult with a licensed veterinarian or medical professional to make informed decisions.