Medical errors are the third leading cause of death in human patients.1 Errors in veterinary medicine are rarely discussed,2 but in a recent study the most frequently reported veterinary medical errors were mistakes made when administering drugs, with an estimated 15% of all incidents resulting in patient harm.2 Most drug errors (58%) were related to an incorrect dosage. Enhanced skills in mathematics can help reduce drug dosage mistakes, and consistent use and practice can aid clinical approaches to mathematical problems in the clinic.
In the following questions, the authors outline the mathematical methods they use most often. Although there are several methods that can be used, it is key to understand how the same answer was obtained, irrespective of the method used.
For global readers, a calculator to convert laboratory values, dosages, and other measurements to SI units can be found here.
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