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Veterinary Medicine vocabulary · Clinical Examination

Dehydration

Meaning in veterinary medicine, with examples

/ˌdiːhaɪˈdreɪʃən/nounCore term

In veterinary medicine, dehydration means: A state in which the body has lost more water than it has taken in, often because of vomiting, diarrhoea, fever or not drinking.

In Turkish: dehidrasyon, sıvı kaybı

How it is used

Vets estimate dehydration as a percentage (5%, 8%) from skin tenting, dry mucous membranes and sunken eyes, then correct it with fluids. Calves with scour often need treatment for dehydration.

Example sentences

  1. She has about eight percent dehydration, so we'll admit her for IV fluids.

  2. Sunken eyes and a slow skin tent are classic signs of dehydration.

Common collocations

  • severe dehydration
  • signs of dehydration
  • correct dehydration
  • estimated dehydration
  • mild dehydration
  • fluid therapyGiving water and salts to an animal, usually through a drip into a vein, to correct dehydration, support blood pressure or replace ongoing losses.
  • vomitingForcefully bringing up the contents of the stomach through the mouth. The technical word is emesis.
  • diarrhoeaLoose or liquid faeces passed more often than normal, a sign of a problem in the intestines. US spelling: diarrhea.
  • mucous membranesThe moist pink linings inside the mouth, eyelids, nose and genitals. Vets look at their colour, especially on the gums, to judge circulation and oxygen levels.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Clinical Examination

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.