Abstract
Many of the body’s cellular operations use water as a medium. When water intake equals water loss, the body’s water equilibrium is maintained. Water disperses throughout the body in distinct compartments. Several factors influence the distribution of water in different fluid compartments. Water and electrolyte intake and outflow are more strictly regulated to maintain total body water and total body osmolarity. Water intake is controlled by water consumption, whereas water loss is controlled by urine output. Electrolytes serve a critical function in controlling bodily water content, distribution, and osmolarity. Calcium, sodium, chloride, and bicarbonates are the major electrolytes in extracellular fluid; potassium, magnesium, phosphates, proteinates, and sulphates are the major electrolytes in intracellular fluid. Sustaining acid-base balance is another essential part of maintaining homeostasis. The chemical buffer system, respiratory system, and renal system are the three primary systems that manage the acid-base balance in the body. Clinical disorders impacting hydration, acid-base balance, and electrolyte status can have serious, even life-threatening repercussions; therefore, it is critical to recognise and treat them.
Graphical Abstract
Description of the graphic: Total body water (TBW) constitutes 60–65% of body weight (1). About 65% of TBW is ICF and 35% is ECF. Electrolytes are differentially distributed with respect to the concentration in both ECF and ICF, sodium being the major extracellular cation and potassium being the major intracellular cation (2). Along with the chemical buffer system, respiratory and renal systems are also involved in the acid-base regulation of the body (3). Respiratory or metabolic alterations can cause acidosis or alkalosis (4). Clinical management by parenteral fluid administration is decided by the level of dehydration, pH, and electrolyte imbalance (5)
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Madhavan Unny, N., Zarina, A., Beena, V. (2023). Fluid and Electrolyte Balance. In: Das, P.K., Sejian, V., Mukherjee, J., Banerjee, D. (eds) Textbook of Veterinary Physiology. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-9410-4_8
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