A cat weighing 4 kg would require roughly how many milliliters for its IV shock dose?

• A. 100 ml
• B. 200 ml
• C. 300 ml
• D. 400 ml

Answer: (B)

In shock, the goal is to rapidly restore circulating volume with an IV bolus of isotonic crystalloids to improve tissue perfusion. The dose is given per kilogram, and for cats the rough shock-dose commonly used in practice is about 50 mL per kilogram. For a cat that weighs 4 kg, that calculates to around 200 mL given as a rapid IV bolus, with reassessment of perfusion afterward. If perfusion remains compromised, additional boluses may be given per protocol, but the initial aim is roughly 200 mL for this 4 kg patient. Smaller totals (like 100 mL) would be under-dosing per kilogram, while much larger totals (300–400 mL) would exceed the typical initial bolus amount and risk fluid overload.