Gelatine
Succinylated gelatine / Polygeline
Also known as: Gelofusine · Haemaccel · Oxypolygelatine · Polygeline · Succinylated gelatine
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plasma volume expansion (shock) | 10-20 ml/kg | IV | bolus | Do not exceed replacement of >25% of circulating blood volume in a 24-hour period | 🌍 EU |
- Plasma volume expansion (shock): Administer as a bolus. Monitor patient hemodynamics closely.
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plasma volume expansion (shock) | 10-20 ml/kg | IV | bolus | Do not exceed replacement of >25% of circulating blood volume in a 24-hour period | 🌍 EU |
- Plasma volume expansion (shock): Administer as a bolus. Monitor patient hemodynamics closely.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Gelatine-based solutions are synthetic colloids used for the expansion and maintenance of blood volume in various forms of shock, including hypovolaemic and haemorrhagic shock.
The main difference between gelatine-based solutions and other synthetic colloids (such as hydroxyethyl starch) is that they have lower molecular weights. Consequently, they are excreted more rapidly, and the duration of plasma expansion is much shorter. They appear to have few antigenic or anticoagulative effects, with little impact on coagulation or blood loss following administration.
Clinical Warning: Use with extreme caution in animals with congestive heart failure or renal insufficiency, as these conditions significantly increase the risk of circulatory overload.
Mechanism of action
Gelatine acts as a synthetic colloid that promotes the retention of fluid within the vascular system through the exertion of oncotic pressure, thereby expanding circulating blood volume and improving hemodynamics during shock states.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Congestive heart failure (relative)
- Oliguric or anuric renal failure (relative)
- Known hypersensitivity to gelatine products
Adverse effects
- Anaphylactoid reactions (rare)
- Circulatory overload
- Potential kidney injury (extrapolated from human medicine concerns)
Precautions
Use with caution in patients with congestive heart failure or renal insufficiency due to the increased risk of circulatory overload. Monitor for signs of anaphylactoid reactions, though these are considered rare. In human medicine, there are concerns regarding the safety of these solutions in patients with pre-existing kidney disease.
Monitoring
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate and rhythm
- Central venous pressure (CVP)
- Packed cell volume (PCV) and total protein (TP)
- Signs of fluid overload (e.g., tachypnea, crackles on lung auscultation)
- Renal function and urine output
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
Absorption
Administered directly into the systemic circulation (IV).
Distribution
Retained primarily within the vascular space to exert oncotic pressure, though it has a shorter duration of action compared to higher molecular weight colloids.
Metabolism
Degraded in the body; lower molecular weight allows for faster processing.
Elimination
Excreted rapidly by the kidneys.
Overdose
Overdosage can lead to circulatory overload, manifesting as pulmonary edema, elevated venous pressure, and respiratory distress. This is particularly dangerous in patients with compromised cardiac or renal function. Treatment involves stopping the infusion immediately and administering diuretics (e.g., furosemide) if necessary.
Available products
Formulations
- Injectable: 4% solution of succinylated gelatine in 0.7% sodium chloride (Gelofusine)
- Injectable: 35 g/dl degraded urea-linked gelatine with NaCl, KCl, CaCl2 (Haemaccel)
Veterinary
- Gelofusine (4% solution of succinylated gelatine in 0.7% NaCl)
- Haemaccel (35 g/dl degraded urea-linked gelatine with NaCl, KCl, CaCl2)
Regulatory status
Historically used in veterinary medicine; specific national authorizations may vary.
Classified as POM-V (Prescription Only Medicine - Veterinarian).
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Normal precautions should be observed. Store at room temperature and do not freeze. Discard any unused portion after opening.
Client information
This medication is an intravenous fluid used in emergency situations, such as severe bleeding or shock. It acts as a 'volume expander' to help restore and maintain your pet's blood pressure and blood volume. It is administered directly into the vein by veterinary professionals while your pet is being closely monitored in the hospital.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.