Effects of concentrated electrolytes administered via a paste on fluid, electrolyte, and acid base balance in horses
Sosa León, L.A.; Hodgson, D.R.; Carlson, G.P.; Rose, R.J.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 59(7): 898-903
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 9659559 Document Number: 490726
Objectives-To test effectiveness of an electrolyte paste in correcting fluid, electrolyte and acid base alterations in response to furosemide administration. Animals-6 Standardbreds. Procedures-Horses received electrolyte paste or water only (control). The paste was given orally 3 hours after furosemide administration (1 mg/kg of body weight, IM). Water was given ad libitum soon after the paste and 3 hours after furosemide administration to treated and control groups, respectively. Paste Na+, K+, and Cl- composition was approximately 2,220, 620, and 2,840 mmol, respectively. The PCV and plasma concentrations of total protein ((TP)), (Na+), (K+), (Cl-)), and bicarbonate ((HCO3-)) were determined, and urinary fluid and electrolyte excretion, fecal water, and body weight changes were measured. Results-At the end of a 6-hour period, the paste-treated group had higher water consumption, which resulted in lower plasma (TP); net electrolyte losses also were substantially less. With paste administration, (Na+) was approximately 2 mmol/L above a prefurosemide value of 137.3 mmol/L; control horses had values similar to the prefurosemide value. Plasma (Cl-) remained at the prefurosemide value, but values in control horses decreased by 7 mmol/L with water consumption. Plasma (K+) remained approximately 0.8 mmol/L below prefurosemide values in both groups. Venous (HCO3-) returned to prefurosemide values after paste administration, but alkalosis persisted in control horses after consumption of water only. Body weight loss was less after paste administration. Conclusions-Administration of electrolyte paste is advantageous over water alone in restoring fluid, electrolyte, and acid base balance after fluid and electrolyte loss attributable to furosemide administration.