Question

A 10-month-old dog is hospitalized for vomiting. Physical exam findings reveal a capillary refill time of 3 seconds and dry mucous membranes. A check of skin turgor indicates some inelasticity. What level of dehydration is most consistent with these findings?

Answer 1

The 10-month-old dog shows signs of moderate to severe dehydration due to symptoms like vomiting, extended capillary refill time, dry mucous membranes, and poor skin turgor.

Step-by-step explanation:

A 10-month-old dog with symptoms including vomiting, a capillary refill time of 3 seconds, dry mucous membranes, and decreased skin turgor may be experiencing dehydration, likely within the moderate to severe range. The clinical signs such as a prolonged capillary refill time (>2 seconds), dry mucous membranes, and decreased skin turgor suggest significant fluid loss. This could be consistent with a 5-10% body weight fluid loss in a dog.

In such cases, it is common for the patient to show signs of decreased urination, potential dizziness, and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Given that the dog is also hospitalized for vomiting, which can exacerbate dehydration, immediate and appropriate intravenous fluid therapy, monitoring, and potentially further diagnostic work-up would be indicated to prevent progression to hypovolemic shock and further complications.