Live calculator

Fluid bolus / shock dose calculator

Calculate a total shock-dose reference and a selected partial bolus volume for dogs and cats using simple isotonic crystalloid arithmetic. This tool is an arithmetic reference only; it is not a treatment protocol.

The shock-dose field is an arithmetic reference in mL/kg. It does not tell you whether the full reference volume should be delivered.

Use a staged percentage when you want a partial bolus volume to support reassessment between boluses.

Arithmetic support only. Does not decide when fluids are indicated or how much to repeat.
Safety checks
  • Arithmetic support only.
  • This page does not choose when or whether a bolus should be given.
  • Verify the final plan against patient reassessment and current protocol.
  • Reassess perfusion parameters between boluses per current protocol.
Basis and limits
  • Calculation basis: total shock-dose reference = body weight x selected mL/kg reference, and selected bolus volume = total reference volume x chosen percentage.
  • Scope: this tool supports arithmetic planning. It does not decide when fluids should be given, how much should be repeated, or what reassessment should show next.
  • Before use: verify the staged bolus plan against current protocol, patient reassessment, line setup, and tolerance to fluids.
  • Clinical use: keep the total reference volume separate from the staged bolus you actually plan to give now.
Formula audit trail

Calculation steps will appear here for verification.

Worked example and practice

Worked example

A 20 kg dog uses a 90 mL/kg shock-dose reference, and you want to see a 25% partial bolus.

Total shock-dose reference = 20 kg x 90 mL/kg = 1,800 mL Selected bolus = 1,800 mL x 25% = 450 mL Bolus equivalent = 90 mL/kg x 25% = 22.5 mL/kg

The practical readback is 450 mL now, with reassessment still deciding whether any later bolus should be considered.

Try this case

Estimate the answer before revealing it: a 4 kg cat uses a 60 mL/kg reference and you want to view a 50% bolus.

Reveal worked answer

Total shock-dose reference = 4 kg x 60 mL/kg = 240 mL.

Selected bolus = 240 mL x 50% = 120 mL.

Bolus equivalent = 60 mL/kg x 50% = 30 mL/kg.