Dextran
Dextran is used in veterinary medicine for intravascular volume expansion in hypovolemia.
Group
Synthetic colloid
Mechanism of Action
Glucose polymers retain fluid in the vascular compartment by increasing colloid osmotic pressure.
Dose Rates
Dog
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volume expansion | Reference only | IV | 10–20 mL/kg/day to effect, usually over 30–60 minutes. The narrative also describes slower 60–90-minute delivery and faster emergency boluses of 20 mL/kg. Concentration-specific fluid protocol; schema does not support mL/kg. |
Cat
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volume expansion | Reference only | IV | 5–10 mL/kg/day over 30–60 minutes; monitor closely for overload. |
Horse
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volume expansion | Reference only | IV | 10 mL/kg/day. Product concentration and fluid-rate calculations are not represented by the current mass-dose schema. |
Cattle
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volume expansion | Reference only | IV | 10 mL/kg/day. Product concentration and fluid-rate calculations are not represented by the current mass-dose schema. | |
| Calf hypertonic colloid resuscitation | Reference only | IV | Diarrheic calves: 6% dextran 70 in 7.2% sodium chloride, 4–5 mL/kg over 4–5 minutes once only, immediately followed by isotonic oral electrolytes or IV isotonic fluid. Repetition risks hypernatremia. The source compounding directions omit the starting bag volume, so they are not reproduced as a complete recipe. |
Indications
- Intravascular volume expansion in hypovolemia
Contraindications
- Bleeding tendency
- Use cautiously in cats and patients vulnerable to volume overload.
Interactions
- May interfere with blood crossmatching.
Adverse effects
- Coagulopathy, renal injury and anaphylaxis are recognized concerns
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dextran 70 6% in sodium chloride 0.9% Carrier contains sodium chloride 9 mg/mL; a colloid fluid formulation. | Injection | dextran 70 60 mg / mL + sodium chloride 9 mg / mL | IV |
Monitoring and Administration
Monitor cardiopulmonary status and infusion response. Obtain crossmatching samples before administration where feasible.
Dextran 40 and 70 differ in molecular weight; the source does not state an exact product concentration.