Effect of intravenous administration of fluids on packed cell volume, blood pressure, and total protein and blood glucose concentrations in healthy halothane-anesthetized dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of IV administration of fluids on PCV, serum total protein and blood glucose concentrations, and systolic arterial pressure in healthy anesthetized dogs undergoing elective surgical procedures. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized controlled trial. ANIMALS: 70 clinically normal dogs. PROCEDURE: Dogs received i.v. administration of 0, 5, 10, or 15 mL/kg of body weight/h of a polyionic crystalloid solution or 5% dextrose in water. Blood samples were collected before and after administration of medication, prior to anesthetic induction, after anesthetic induction, at the end of the surgical procedure, and 2 hours after surgery to determine PCV and serum total protein and blood glucose concentrations. Blood pressure was measured before and after anesthetic induction and at the end of the surgery. RESULTS: There were not any significant differences in PCV, total protein concentration, or systolic arterial pressure among treatment groups. Hyperglycemia developed in dogs receiving 5% dextrose in water, but resolved 2 hours after discontinuing administration of fluids. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Intravenous administration of fluids may not be necessary to maintain normal blood pressure in young, healthy dogs undergoing elective surgery.