Dextrose Solution
Dextrose Solution is used in veterinary medicine for hypoglycemia.
Group
Glucose and fluid supplement
Mechanism of Action
Provides metabolizable glucose; glucose-stimulated insulin can shift potassium into cells.
Dose Rates
Dog
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D5W fluid administration | Reference only | IV | 5% dextrose 40–50 mL/kg per 24 hours. This volume-based fluid protocol is not a general electrolyte maintenance prescription. | |
| Hypoglycemic crisis | Reference only | IV | The source gives 1 mL of 50% dextrose diluted with saline without a weight denominator or complete patient context. Do not generalize this as a fixed dose. |
Cat
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D5W fluid administration | Reference only | IV | 5% dextrose 40–50 mL/kg per 24 hours. This volume-based fluid protocol is not a general electrolyte maintenance prescription. | |
| Hypoglycemic crisis | Reference only | IV | The source gives 1 mL of 50% dextrose diluted with saline without a weight denominator or complete patient context. Do not generalize this as a fixed dose. |
Horse
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D5W fluid administration | Reference only | IV | 5% dextrose 45 mL/kg per 24 hours; includes calves. Requires individualized fluid and electrolyte assessment. | |
| Life-threatening hyperkalemia | 8–16 mg/kg/min | IV | Continuous | Emergency infusion over 1 hour; monitor glucose and potassium closely. |
| Milder hyperkalemia | 1–2 mg/kg/min | IV | Continuous |
Cattle
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D5W fluid administration | Reference only | IV | 5% dextrose 45 mL/kg per 24 hours; includes calves. Requires individualized fluid and electrolyte assessment. | |
| Ketosis or hepatic lipidosis | 0.1–0.2 g/kg/hour | IV | Continuous | Up to 5 days; Dextrose mass rate; account for concentration, final fluid volume and electrolyte shifts. |
Indications
- Hypoglycemia
- Glucose supplementation
- Hyperkalemia adjunct
- Bovine ketosis and hepatic lipidosis
Contraindications
- D5W is unsuitable as the sole electrolyte replacement or maintenance fluid.
Adverse effects
- Hyperglycemia, osmotic disturbances and pulmonary edema
- Insulin-mediated hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dextrose 5% IV solution | Injection | 5 g / 100 mL | IV |
| Dextrose 50% IV solution Hypertonic; dilute as required for the clinical protocol. | Injection | 50 g / 100 mL | IV |
Monitoring and Administration
Monitor glucose, potassium, phosphorus, acid–base status and hydration.
D5W contains 50 mg/mL and 50% dextrose contains 500 mg/mL. Use a final-volume calculation when preparing dilutions; adding fluid changes the final denominator.
Hypertonic dextrose requires secure IV access and appropriate dilution. Single prophylactic doses have not shown established benefit for preventing dairy-cow ketosis.