Effects of Hypotonic and Isotonic Enteral Electrolyte Solutions Administered in Continuous Flow in Weaned Foals

Abstract

The effects of fluid therapy with maintenance enteral electrolytic solutions administered by nasogastric route in continuous flow have not previously been studied in weaned foals. This study primary goal was to compare the effects of two maintenance enteral electrolytic solutions administered by nasogastric route in continuous flow on the hydro electrolytic balance in weaned foals. This paper was a controlled trial in a cross-over design (6 × 2) performed in six foals with a mean age of 7.3 ± 1.4 months; each animal received two treatments, IsoES and HypoES, with an interval of 7 days between treatments. After 12 h of fasting, the animals were treated with enteral electrolyte solutions administered via nasogastric route in continuous flow in a volume of 15 mL/kg/h for 12 h. The evaluations were performed at T-12h (the beginning of the fasting), T0h (end of fasting and beginning of fluid therapy), T4h (4 h of fluid therapy), T8h (8 h of fluid therapy), T12h (end of fluid therapy), and T24h (12 h after the end of fluid therapy). Twelve hours of fasting resulted in a reduction (P < 0.05) in body weight, abdominal circumference, whereas serum sodium, SID and enophthalmos increased. Twelve hours of fluid therapy normalized these parameters and promoted increased urinary volume and decreased urinary density without causing electrolyte imbalances. Both enteral electrolytic solutions were effective in reestablishing clinical and laboratorial variables without causing electrolyte imbalances.

Enteral electrolytic solutions administered in continuous flow via naso-ruminal route in adult goats

“…In the goats in the present trial, there was a significant decrease in USG in both treatments, reaching the lowest values at T9–12 ( P <0.05, Table 3 ). The results of the present trial demonstrated the effective and mainly early effect of enteral fluid therapy in the expansion of blood volume, confirming the results obtained by Alves et al [ 1 ], Dias et al [ 8 ] and Monteiro et al [ 19 ].…”

“…showing no signs of discomfort or changes in attitude or behavior with the probe and the naso-ruminal probe for 12 hr, nor with the infusion of the enteral electrolyte solution at the dose of 15ml kg -1 h -1 , in according to reports of Ribeiro Filho et al [23] and Ribeiro Filho et al [24]. It is noteworthy that this therapeutic modality has already been used in different animal species [1,19,21,22]. Its use is a minimally stressful practice for animals, as described by other authors [1,13].…”

“…[ 24 ]. It is noteworthy that this therapeutic modality has already been used in different animal species [ 1 , 19 , 21 , 22 ]. Its use is a minimally stressful practice for animals, as described by other authors [ 1 , 13 ].…”

Comparative Trial of Continuous Flow Enteral and Intravenous Fluid Therapy in Horses

“…Similar results have been reported in adult horses (5). However, weaned foals treated with enteral electrolyte solutions for 12 h at the same infusion rate used in the present study showed an increase in urinary sodium excretion (4).…”

“…The administration of electrolytic solutions through the nasogastric route is also routinely used in horses, but to a lesser extent when compared to the intravenous modality. Enteral fluid therapy (EFT) via the nasogastric route has been studied with excellent results in the equine species (2)(3)(4). In EFT electrolyte solutions are infused directly into the gastrointestinal tract in order to be absorbed towards the plasma compartment.…”