Desired Maintenance Formula
The consensus maintenance formula for foals is 4-5ml/kg/hour (approximately 100ml/kg/day). However, the Holliday-Segar formula is an alternative method for calculating maintenance fluid rates in foals, promoted by Dr Jon Palmer. It is based on a formula used in pediatrics in human medicine.
The formula is calculated as follows:
- 100ml/kg/day for the first 10kg bodyweight
- 50ml/kg/day for the next 10kg bodyweight (i.e. between 10 and 20kg)
- 25ml/kg/day thereafter
Note that the Holliday Segar formula should ONLY be used in the maintenance phase. Multiples of this maintenance rate should NOT be used to calculate fluid requirements in the replacement phase.
Ref: Palmer, J.E. (2004) Fluid therapy in the neonate: not your mother's fluid space. Vet Clin North Equine Pract 20, 63-75