Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Disorders in Small Animal Practice. 4th edition

This book is designed to be a complete reference concerning fluid administration and electrolyte and acid-base disorders in small animals. It is logically divided into five sections that become progressively more detailed as the book progresses. The first section gives the reader a good foundation. It covers such important topics as fluid distribution in the bodies of cats and dogs and takes into account factors such as age, body mass, and breed. It also describes the normal distribution of body solutes and how they are measured. The basic university chemistry refresher ensures that the reader does not have to consult another reference in order to understand the material. The section eventually progresses to a discussion on types of water losses and average water requirements based on water loss and intake. It also presents different formulas for the calculation of basal and maintenance fluid needs with a discussion for each formula. The applied renal physiology chapter is very thorough and gives a good description of the function of each part of the glomerulus. More clinically relevant aspects such as measurement of glomerular filtration rate are also described. This section is well-supported by tables, figures, and examples. The second and third sections are detailed discussions of different electrolyte and acid-base disorders, respectively. Each chapter begins with background information that is more detailed and with more of a clinical focus than that presented in the first section. Flowcharts and lists help the practitioner to quickly develop a list of differential diagnoses without having to search through pages of text. The treatment options presented for each disorder are supported by thorough rationales. Approximately 1/3 of the book is devoted to the fourth section, fluid therapy. This section follows the format presented in the previous sections, beginning with background material and progressing to more clinical approaches to disorders. The information is presented in a question and answer format. The questions are ones that the practitioner must think of when considering the proper fluid type, rate, and volume to administer to a particular patient. There is also a detailed discussion of the different routes for fluid administration and when each should be used. The technical section describing how to put in each type of cathether and the equipment needed is very thorough. The accompanying pictures provide a good step-by-step guide. The chapter on monitoring and complications guides the reader through the stages once fluid administration has begun in order to help prevent overhydration. The chapters on fluid therapy considerations for particular disease states are very useful. However, I do think that they warranted their own section rather than including them in the section on general fluid therapy. The last section is devoted to special therapies such as blood transfusions, parenteral and enteral nutrition, and dialysis. Again the chapters are well-written and provide a good balance of background information and technical guidance to allow the reader to perform the techniques described in the book. In summary, this book should be an essential addition to the library of every small animal practice. It is thorough and logically organized. The information is complete and easy to find.