Gelatine

Gelatine: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Promotes retention of fluid within the vascular system through the exertion of oncotic pressure.

Uses of Gelatine

• The expansion and maintenance of blood volume in various forms of shock, including hypovolaemic and haemorrhagic shock.

Dose of Gelatine in Dogs and Cats

Dogs, Cats:

• Plasma volume expander: 10–20 ml/kg i.v. bolus.
• In normal circumstances do not exceed replacement of >25% of circulating blood volume with gelatines in a 24-hour period.

Side Effects of Gelatine in Dogs and Cats

• Anaphylactoid reactions to gelatine solutions are rare; it is uncertain whether these reactions represent a specific immune response.
• In human medicine there are concerns over the safety of these solutions when used in patients with kidney disease.

Contraindications of Gelatine in Dogs and Cats

• No information available

Some Notes:

• The main difference between gelatine-based solutions and other synthetic colloids is that they have lower molecular weights (and hence are excreted rapidly), appear to have few antigenic or anticoagulative effects.
• The plasma half-life of most gelatines is approximately 8 hours (oxypolygelatine 2–4 hours), so that the duration of plasma expansion is much shorter than with hydroxyethyl starch.
• There appears to be little effect on coagulation or blood loss following gelatine administration.
• Use with caution in animals with congestive heart failure or renal insufficiency as will increase risk of circulatory overload.