Sodium chloride
Also known as: Aqupharm, Vetivex, Normal Saline
Sodium chloride (saline) is commonly used to rehydrate pets, treat shock, or manage specific eye conditions. If your pet is prescribed oral salt tablets or eye ointment, follow your veterinarian's instructions carefully. The eye ointment may cause a mild, temporary stinging sensation. Ensure your pet always has access to fresh drinking water.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Intravenous fluid replacement (including hypercalcaemia or hyperchloraemic alkalosis)
- Shock (rapid blood volume expansion)
- Corneal oedema
- Hypoadrenocorticism (long-term management)
- Intravenous fluid replacement
- Shock (rapid blood volume expansion)
- Corneal oedema
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Peripheral oedema
- Hyperchloraemic acidosis (especially in compromised patients)
- Vagally mediated bradycardia (if hypertonic saline is administered >1 ml/kg/min)
- Stinging sensation (ophthalmic ointment)
Cautions & contraindications
- Dehydrated animals (Hypertonic saline)
- Hypovolaemic animals (Hypotonic solutions)
- > **Warning:** Hypertonic saline solutions have very high sodium concentrations. Monitor serum sodium concentrations before and after administration. Maintenance with an isotonic crystalloid is usually required after administration to correct electrolyte and fluid disturbances. > **Safety and handling:** Hypertonic saline solutions should be regarded as drugs, not standard IV fluids, and stored separately to prevent confusion. **Clinical Pearl:** Enteric-coated products for oral use may not be adequately absorbed by dogs, leading to unpredictable efficacy. Normal saline contains higher amounts of chloride than plasma, increasing the risk of acidosis.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sodium chloride used for in pets?
Sodium chloride (saline) is commonly used to rehydrate pets, treat shock, or manage specific eye conditions. If your pet is prescribed oral salt tablets or eye ointment, follow your veterinarian's instructions carefully. The eye ointment may cause a mild, temporary stinging sensation. Ensure your pet always has access to fresh drinking water.
Is Sodium chloride safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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