Hypertonic saline versus Lactated Ringer's Solution for neurological recovery in cats with traumatic brain injury.

PICO QUESTION: In cats with traumatic brain injury, is hypertonic saline more effective than Lactated Ringer's Solution (LRS), when measuring neurological recovery?In dogs diagnosed with canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT), does treatment with vincristine combined with ivermectin, compared to treatment with vincristine alone, lead to improved clinical outcomes? CATEGORY OF RESEARCH: Treatment. NUMBER AND TYPE OF STUDY DESIGNS REVIEWED: Zero. STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Zero. OUTCOMES REPORTED: Both hypertonic saline and LRS have been successfully used in the management of traumatic brain injuries in cats. There is not enough evidence to recommend one treatment over the other and they should be chosen with consideration of the individual after assessing patient status. CONCLUSION: In cats with traumatic brain injury, there is not enough evidence to say that hypertonic saline is more effective than LRS when measuring short-term neurological response with an improved Modified Glasgow Coma Score. How to apply this evidence in practice The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient's circumstances and owners' values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources.Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.