Lactated ringers safer than .9% saline?

[Gracie4804]

Tony, I was reading your previous comment that lactated ringers are safer than .9% saline for kidney disease. My dog also has Addison's now, and people on the FB Addisons group were telling me I should not use lactated ringers with Addison's because it would elevate potassium. But, you're saying .9 saline shouldn't be used on kidney disease because of the high level sodium?

I discussed this with my IMS vet and she was adament I stay with lactated ringers.  It's been such a mess these past 2 months trying to stabilize both diseases. I think we have the kidney as controlled as possible. All numbers are within norm except BUN at the last bloodwork. BUN 55, creatinine 1.5, phosphorus 5.7.  Still using k/d half the time....she's getting finicky. 200 ml sub q other day and aluminum hydroxide. We're tapering her pred as low as possible because it's hard on her kidneys and giving her tremors.

[tonyb286]

Hi. Addisons is not my area of knowledge, but the other group may indeed be right. I do know that Saline can cause severe issues with canine kidney disease due to the sodium content. I think this is a case where your vet's advice should be considered the most important. LRS is certainly my choice for dogs with kidney disease, as it closely mimics a dog's own body fluid composition.

Tony