Relationship of intravenous administration of Ringer's lactate solution to pulmonary edema in halothane-anesthetized cats
Bjorling, D.E.; Rawlings, C.A.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 44(6): 1000-1006
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 6870003 Document Number: 210973
Thoracotomy was performed on 24 cats to allow implantation of catheters in the aorta, main pulmonary artery, and left atrium. Ringer's lactate solution (RLS) was infused in 3 groups of 8 cats at 11, 90 and 225 ml/kg/h. Ringer's lactate solution (90 ml/kg/h) was given to a 4th group of 8 cats in which thoracotomies were not done before experimentation. Cats given 225 ml of RLS/kg over the course of an hour developed ascites and oculonasal discharge and had fluid present in their trachea. There were no changes in respiratory rate or heart rate in any group. Rectal temperature was low an hour after 225 ml of RLS/kg. The rate of fluid administration did not affect total lung compliance of arterial blood gas values, except for a decrease in arterial PO2 after the 225 ml/kg dose was given. Central venous pressure was increased between 15 minutes and termination in cats given the 225 ml/kg dose. Left atrial pressure and pulmonary arterial pressure were significantly increased from 30 minutes until termination in this group. Cardiac index was greater at termination than at base line in cats given 225 ml of RLS/kg/h. However, there were no differences among all groups when cardiac indices at termination were compared. Packed cell volume, plasma total solids concentration, and plasma colloid osmotic pressure were significantly decreased at termination in cats given the 90 and 225 ml/kg/h doses. Extravascular lung water at termination of cats given the 225 mg/kg dose was greater than that of other groups. The susceptibility of cats to pulmonary oedema was similar to that of other animals. In the absence of cardiopulmonary disease, RLS may safely be given to cats at a rate of 90 ml/kg/h. Since they are small animals, smaller total quantities are tolerated.