Disorders of Sodium and Water Homeostasis

Abstract

This review article discusses normal and abnormal sodium balance in small animals. The terms and concepts central to understanding normal sodium and water balance are presented as well as of the physiology of body fluid compartments and the movement of fluid between those compartments. As dysnatremia is a very common disorder across the spectrum of critically ill patients, the main focus of the article is to present several clinical examples of both acute and chronic hypernatremia and hyponatremia and their practical, clinical management.

Keywords: Dog; Dysnatremia; Hypernatremia; Hyponatremia; Osmolality; Osmolarity; Sodium; Water.