Intravenous (IV) Fluids & Catheter

IVF, or intravenous fluids, are essential for conditions like severe dehydration, trauma, sepsis, and certain illnesses. This method of giving hydration bypasses the digestive system to deliver fluids and nutrients directly into the bloodstream. In an emergency setting - IV fluids help to quickly restore blood pressure, deliver nutrients, regulate electrolytes, and serve as a medium to give other medications over time. The veterinary team will work to tailor a treatment plan to ensure your pet receives the correct fluid type administered over the best period of time for your pet.

IVCs, or intravenous catheters, allow direct access into a pet’s bloodstream.

This access is vital to provide hydrating fluids, medications, blood products, and nutrition that may not be able to be given or absorbed as quickly by mouth. More times than not, an intravenous catheter will need to be placed in order for the veterinary team to give your pet hydration and medications, especially in an urgent care situation. The most common are peripheral IV catheters - meaning they are shorter and placed in the limbs of our pets. These catheters are placed with the intention of lasting short term, a few hours to a day(s),  but are closely monitored and replaced sooner if needed. IV catheters can also be placed into larger central veins - these are referred to as central venous catheters or PICC lines (peripherally inserted central catheter) and are used for longer term support and therapy.