Rehydration for dehydrated opossum babies can be done with Lactated Ringers.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only intravenous
• D. Not recommended

Answer: (A)

Restoring fluid balance in a dehydrated opossum baby is best done with an isotonic crystalloid that closely matches the animal’s extracellular fluid. Lactated Ringer's fits that role well because it provides a balanced mix of sodium, chloride, potassium, and calcium, with lactate acting as a buffer to help correct mild acidosis that often accompanies dehydration. This makes it a practical first-line fluid in wildlife rehab for neonates and infants.

You can give it by routes appropriate to the situation. If the veins are accessible, IV administration is effective for rapid rehydration. If access is difficult in a tiny neonate, subcutaneous (SQ) or sometimes intraperitoneal (IP) administration can be used to provide gradual rehydration and volume support. The key is to choose a route and rate that match the severity of dehydration and the animal’s size, while monitoring for signs of overhydration.

Avoid using plain water or hypotonic solutions for initial rehydration, as they can dilute serum electrolytes and worsen the imbalance. Dextrose-containing fluids may be added later if hypoglycemia is present, but they are not the primary rehydration fluid in the early phase.