• Emergency treatment of hypoglycemia: This is its primary use, especially in cases such as insulin shock, neonatal hypoglycemia (in puppies and kittens), or toxicities like xylitol ingestion.
• Ketosis and pregnancy toxemia: It is used in cattle and sheep to address metabolic conditions where the body lacks sufficient energy.
• Supportive therapy: It can be used as part of supportive care in cases of shock, stress, severe malnutrition, or septic conditions.
• Fluid and calorie replenishment: It provides a source of water and carbohydrate calories, particularly when an animal is unable to drink or requires additional fluids following surgery or trauma.
• Adjunct therapy: It may be used alongside calcium therapy for post-parturient paresis (milk fever).

ADMINISTRATION

• Route: The solution must be administered slowly via the intravenous (IV) route. For continuous infusions or high concentrations, a central vein is often preferred to minimize irritation.
• Caution: It is critical not to administer Dextrose 25% subcutaneously (SQ) or intramuscularly (IM) because its high concentration (hypertonicity) can cause severe tissue irritation, inflammation (phlebitis), thrombosis, or tissue necrosis (cellulitis/abscess formation).