When administering IV fluids to an individual, the rate is determined by the size of the animal; the amount of fluids needed (amount of dehydration); the type of fluids; and the metabolic state of the individual, including the health of its kidneys which will be required to eliminate extra fluid. If any fluids are given too fast or if the kidneys are not functioning properly, the animal's blood volume will increase, leading to edema (swelling) of the body. Since this swelling will include the lungs, pulmonary (lung) edema will occur which, if severe enough, can lead to the individual drowning in its own fluids. An additional concern with plasma is that it contains many substances (mainly proteins) that the individual may be allergic to. Typically, plasma is started very slowly, and the foal's vital parameters are closely monitored. If there are no changes after a 10- to 15-minute interval, the rate is increased with the parameters monitored again in 10 to 15 minutes. If the foal is doing O.K. at this point, the rate is increased to the calculated rate that the foal can easily handle. The foal will continue to be monitored, but the likelihood of a reaction is small at this point. If an allergic reaction occurs, the plasma is stopped. Medication may be given to try to control the reaction, and the plasma may be restarted at a slower rate. If a reaction occurs again, the plasma is stopped. Typically, stopping the plasma is all that is needed; however, on occasion, a foal may die during a plasma transfusion. For the average 100-lb foal, the typical 900- to 1,000-ml bags should not be too much fluid at one time if the foal is normal.

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