Clinical, hematologic, and electrolyte changes with 0.9% sodium chloride or acetated fluids in endurance horses.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the clinical and laboratory changes associated with the use of IV0.9% sodium chloride and a commercially available acetated fluid (CAF) to treat endurance horses requiring emergency medical treatment.


METHODS
Randomized, controlled clinical trial from 2007 to 2010.


METHODS
Emergency treatment centers of the Western States 100-mile (220 km) endurance ride.


METHODS
Twelve horses requiring emergency medical treatment in the form of IVfluids completed the study.


METHODS
Horses were assigned to either the 0.9% sodium chloride group (6 horses) or CAF group (6 horses) and received a total of 20 L of fluid. Clinical, hematologic, and electrolyte data were collected prior to and during fluid therapy.


RESULTS
As compared to results prior to fluid therapy, horses treated with 0.9% sodium chloride had a decrease in heart rate (P < 0.01), PCV (P < 0.001), total plasma protein (TPP) (P < 0.001), and the sodium-chloride difference (P < 0.05). These horses also had an increase in plasma chloride (P < 0.01) and sodium (P < 0.01) concentrations. Horses treated with CAF showed a decrease in PCV (P < 0.01) and TPP (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
These findings should aid in the design a larger clinical trial to provide further clarification on the effects of type of fluid therapy on clinical and biochemical parameters in endurance horses. The use of 0.9% sodium chloride may not be ideal for the emergency management of endurance horses as it was associated with an increase in plasma chloride concentration.
Loomis Basin Equine Medical Center, PO Box 2059, Loomis, CA 95650, USA. langdonfielding@yahoo.com
C Langdon
CL
Fielding
K Gary
KG
Magdesian
Chloe A
CA
Meier
Diane M
DM
Rhodes
D000085:Acetates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D002712:Chlorides / Q000097:blood; D003681:Dehydration / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D004630:Emergencies / Q000662:veterinary; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D006736:Horses; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013177:Sports
D000085:Acetates; D002712:Chlorides; D012965:Sodium Chloride