Wanting information about fluid therapy for rodents and rabbits?

I am wanting information about how to treat dehydration and administering fluid therapy in rats, mice, rabbits and guinea pigs.


I have heard there is a rule you can use for fluid therapy - like a certain about of mL's per hour per day for maintenance or something like that.





Any help would be appreciated





EmmaWanting information about fluid therapy for rodents and rabbits?
Hi Emma...because Sub-Q therapy will vary depending on the size, weight, age AND overall health (if there are not hidden ailments) of ';each'; species you would need to get this information specifically from a veterinarian.Wanting information about fluid therapy for rodents and rabbits?
The Guinea Lynx web site (widely regarded as the Bible of guinea pig care) says that for an adult guinea pig, the amount of fluid used is ';generally between 20 and 30cc';. It also states that ';Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary (several editions available), lists maintenance or replacement fluid dosing for guinea pigs at 50-100 ml/kg per day,'; and notes that most people choose to divide the total required amount into 2 smaller doses. It discusses the different types of fluid available and makes recommendations for when each type is appropriate. It also notes that overhydration is a risk of subcutaneous fluid therapy, and that it can even cause death.





I agree with Seattle that it's important to consult a veterinarian. If nothing else, a veterinarian will be able to diagnose and treat any underlying conditions causing dehydration. However, because I live in a city in which there's only one veterinarian who has a clue about treating guinea pigs, I've found it's important for me to know as much as possible about treating guinea pigs so I can give that information to any dog-and-cat veterinarians I take my guinea pigs to in emergencies.





I don't have any information on how much fluid to give animals of other species, sorry. For more details on giving subcutaneous fluids to guinea pigs, see the links in the ';source(s)'; section below.