Fluid therapy in horses involves the administration of fluids to maintain or restore hydration, electrolyte balance, and acid-base status. It is commonly used in veterinary medicine to address conditions such as dehydration, shock, or electrolyte imbalances resulting from illness, injury, or surgery. The types of fluids used can vary, including crystalloids, colloids, and hypertonic solutions, each with specific indications based on the horse's clinical condition. This page gathers peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the methodologies, applications, and outcomes of fluid therapy in equine medicine.
Lopes MA, Walker BL, White NA, Ward DL.Although large intestine impactions are commonly treated with i.v. fluids combined with the osmotic laxative MgSO4, enteral fluids are less expensive and also appear to be efficacious for impactions. Therefore, this study was conducted to compare the systemic and gastrointestinal effects of enteral fluids with the changes produced by i.v. fluids combined with MgSO4. Four horses with a fistula in the right dorsal colon alternately received both treatments in 2 periods one week apart. Sixty litres of fluids were administered continuously (10 l/h) through a venous catheter or a nasogastric tube. ...
Khan SA, Kuster DA, Hansen SR.Moxidectin is a macrolide endectocide available as a 2% equine oral gel in the US. This report presents clinical signs of moxidectin toxicosis and its treatment in equines as reported to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) from January 1998 to December 2000. Nine cases of moxidectin overdose in equines occurred: 5 had signs of toxicosis such as coma, dyspnea, depression, ataxia, tremors, seizures, or weakness. The approximate dose of moxidectin at which these signs were observed ranged from 1.0 to 5.1 mg/kg. The 4 equines that ingested moxidectin between 0.9 mg/kg to 1.7 mg/kg did no...
Kablack KA, Embertson RM, Bernard WV, Bramlage LR, Hance S, Reimer JM, Barton MH.Historical, physical and diagnostic data were reviewed retrospectively in 31 equine neonates with uroperitoneum. Gender predilection was not observed, and classic electrolyte abnormalities were seen in less than 50% of the cases. Aetiologies for uroperitoneum have been well described, but this review found that septicaemia/severe illness played a crucial role the outcome of uroperitoneum. Approximately half the individuals with uroperitoneum had positive sepsis scores. Foals receiving fluid therapy were more likely to be septic and to have normal electrolyte concentrations. Ultrasonographic fi...
van Miert AS.A lawyer inquired about the possible harmful effects of 'off-label use' of lincomycin in two trotting horses. From information in the relevant dossier it could be concluded that there was no direct indication to use antibiotics. In addition, mistakes were made in the medicinal treatment of horses, namely, the off-label use of lincomycin without prior consultation with the manufacturer, fluid and electrolyte replacement therapy not continued for long enough, and incorrect use of antipyretic analgesics. The intravenous administration of gentamicin to dehydrated patients is permissible only in co...
Roussel AJ, Cohen ND, Ruoff WW, Brumbaugh GW, Schmitz DG, Kuesis BS.Saline or glucose solution was infused for approximately 4 hours into six healthy mares in two separate experiments to determine the effect of infusion of crystalloid solutions on fractional excretion (FE) of sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), potassium (K), and phosphorus (P), ratio of urinary creatinine to serum creatinine (UCr/SCr), and ratio of urinary osmolality to serum osmolality (Uosm/Sosm). After intravenous infusion of either saline or glucose solution, FENa, FECl and FEP were significantly increased, whereas UCr/SCr and Uosm/Sosm were significantly decreased. In addition, FEK was significa...
Bertone JJ, Shoemaker KE.Blood constituents and vascular volume indices were determined in 5 standing horses by use of 2-period crossover experimental design. Horses were either administered hypertonic (2,400 mosm/kg of body weight, i.v.) or isotonic (300 mosm/kg, i.v.) saline solution. Each solution was administered at a dosage of 5 ml/kg (infusion rate, 80 ml/min). Samples for determination of PCV, plasma volume, blood volume, plasma osmolality, total amount of plasma protein and plasma concentrations of protein, Na, K, and Cl were collected at 0 hour (baseline, before fluid infusion) and 0.5 hour (at the end of flu...
Spier SJ, Meagher DM.Rational perioperative management improves the success rate of abdominal surgery. Important aspects of management are discussed, including principles of fluid therapy, nutrition, intravenous catheterization, antimicrobial prophylaxis, and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Current advances in the area of immunotherapy are mentioned.
Ziemer EL, Parker HR, Carlson GP, Smith BP.Two horses were admitted separately for evaluation and treatment of profound hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis without azotemia. One, an 11-year-old Quarter Horse mare, had been depressed and ataxic for 2 days. The other, a 2-year-old Quarter Horse colt, had a 6-week history of depression, anorexia, and weight loss. Both horses responded to fluid and electrolyte therapy, but required daily oral administration of sodium bicarbonate for maintenance. In each case, the diagnosis was renal tubular acidosis.
Rose RJ.In this article a physiological approach to fluid therapy is discussed, commencing with examination of fluid distribution in the normal horse. The functions of individual plasma electrolyte concentrations are considered and practical causes of acid-base disturbances discussed. When fluid administration is necessary, selection of the route for fluid administration as well as the type of fluid are important considerations and these must be adjusted to the needs of the individual case. Balanced polyionic solutions appear to be most suitable for general use because normal saline can produce hypoka...
Stirk SA.A 5 year old Thoroughbred stallion with diarrhoea of unknown aetiology was referred to Davis. Treatment was aimed at terminating diarrhoea and restoring normal fluid status. Laboratory aids were utilised to establish where inbalance and deficits were present. Antibiotics and corticosteroids were used as an adjunct to fluid therapy. The case history and rationale of treatment of fluid disorders resulting from diarrhoea are discussed.
Barton C, Hassel DM.A successful outcome to management of the critical colic patient is highly dependent on how the patient is monitored and treated, particularly, in the perioperative period. In this article, we will provide an update on monitoring techniques, advances in fluid therapy, nutrition management and pharmacotherapeutic agents, inclusive of pain monitoring and management, prokinetics, and management of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and the hypercoagulable state.
Spier SJ, Meagher DM.Rational perioperative management improves the success rate of abdominal surgery. Important aspects of management are discussed, including principles of fluid therapy, nutrition, intravenous catheterization, antimicrobial prophylaxis, and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Current advances in the area of immunotherapy are mentioned.
Bertone JJ, Shoemaker KE.Blood constituents and vascular volume indices were determined in 5 standing horses by use of 2-period crossover experimental design. Horses were either administered hypertonic (2,400 mosm/kg of body weight, i.v.) or isotonic (300 mosm/kg, i.v.) saline solution. Each solution was administered at a dosage of 5 ml/kg (infusion rate, 80 ml/min). Samples for determination of PCV, plasma volume, blood volume, plasma osmolality, total amount of plasma protein and plasma concentrations of protein, Na, K, and Cl were collected at 0 hour (baseline, before fluid infusion) and 0.5 hour (at the end of flu...
van Miert AS.A lawyer inquired about the possible harmful effects of 'off-label use' of lincomycin in two trotting horses. From information in the relevant dossier it could be concluded that there was no direct indication to use antibiotics. In addition, mistakes were made in the medicinal treatment of horses, namely, the off-label use of lincomycin without prior consultation with the manufacturer, fluid and electrolyte replacement therapy not continued for long enough, and incorrect use of antipyretic analgesics. The intravenous administration of gentamicin to dehydrated patients is permissible only in co...
Snyder LB, Wendt-Hornickle E.The purpose of this article is to update the community of veterinarians performing general anesthesia in horses on fluid therapy. The rationale behind intraoperative fluid therapy, fluid dynamics, and various fluid options (crystalloids, hypertonic saline, colloids) is discussed. Additionally, electrolytes (calcium, potassium, and sodium) are included in the discussion in relation to general anesthesia and intraoperative fluid management.
Kopper JJ, Bolger ME, Kogan CJ et al. Outcome and complications in horses administered sterile or non-sterile fluids intravenously. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 33: 2739–2745 DIE INTRAVENöSE VERABREICHUNG VON LöSUNGEN DIENT ZUR ERHALTUNG ODER WIEDERHERSTELLUNG DES FLüSSIGKEITSVOLUMENS IN DEN GEFäßEN UND DER GEWEBEDURCHBLUTUNG. SIE IST ENTSCHEIDEND BEI DER BEHANDLUNG VON PFERDEN MIT ERKRANKUNGEN, DIE EINE HYPOVOLäMIE ZUR FOLGE HABEN. ZU DEN TYPISCHEN INDIKATIONEN GEHöREN EIN HOHER GASTROINTESTINALER WASSERVERLUST, EINE EINGESTELLTE WASSERAUFNAHME BZW. EINE NICHT TOLERIERTE ENTERALE FLüSSIGK...
Pang DS, Panizzi L, Paterson JM.A 3-year-old, 400 kg, gelding Quarter Horse was presented for investigation of epistaxis. Methods: The horse was bright, alert and responsive with rectal temperature, heart rate and respiration rate within normal limits. Results: During a second general anaesthetic for surgical treatment of guttural pouch mycosis by balloon-tipped catheter occlusion of the right major palatine artery and ligation of the right external carotid artery, signs consistent with hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) were exhibited. These included concurrent hyperkalaemia, hypercapnoea, sinus tachycardia, and muscle...
Norman TE, Chaffin MK, Johnson MC, Spangler EA, Weeks BR, Knight R.Five horses were evaluated because of severe cutaneous burn injuries following a barn fire. Gross hemolysis and morphologic changes in RBCs consistent with oxidative damage were detected in all of the horses. Of these horses, 4 became azotemic. The overall goals of treatment included wound care, correction of dehydration and provision of diuresis, control of inflammation, pain management, and prophylaxis against sepsis. After treatment, 2 horses survived and were discharged from the hospital. Red blood cell damage and hemolysis following cutaneous burn injury have been investigated in other sp...
Dias DCR, Ribeiro Filho JD, Viana RB, Bittencourt TCC, Dantas FTDR, Teixeira RBC, Di Filippo PA, Manso Filho HC, Alves SR, Santos PVM, Moreira NS.Continuous flow enteral fluid therapy with isotonic and hypotonic enteral electrolyte solutions are as safe and effective as intravenous fluid therapy. The aim of this study was to carry out a comparative assessment between continuous flow enteral and intravenous (IV) fluid therapy in adult experimentally dehydrated horses. Six experimentally dehydrated adult mares were used in a study carried out in a 6 × 3 crossover design, which each animal received three different treatments (isotonic enteral fluid therapy-EsISO, hypotonic enteral fluid therapy-EsHYPO and intravenous fluid therapy with La...
Stirk SA.A 5 year old Thoroughbred stallion with diarrhoea of unknown aetiology was referred to Davis. Treatment was aimed at terminating diarrhoea and restoring normal fluid status. Laboratory aids were utilised to establish where inbalance and deficits were present. Antibiotics and corticosteroids were used as an adjunct to fluid therapy. The case history and rationale of treatment of fluid disorders resulting from diarrhoea are discussed.
Southwood LL.Horses with large colon volvulus (LCV) often require intensive postoperative medical management. Although early referral and surgical intervention are critical for minimal postoperative complications and a successful outcome, this is often not possible for many reasons. Endotoxemia, extensive mucosal damage with subsequent severe hypoproteinemia, and focal ischemic necrosis are the major causes of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Although fluid therapy, flunixin meglumine, and antimicrobials are still the mainstay of perioperative management, synthetic colloids are being used to maintain...
MacQuarrie J.A 2-day-old Quarter Horse colt was presented to the Atlantic Veterinary College for recumbency and diarrhea. Dietary history of the dam, serum biochemistry findings, and whole blood selenium levels were consistent with nutritional myodegeneration. The patient was treated successfully with fluid therapy and broad-spectrum antimicrobials. Recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged with a favorable prognosis. Un poulain Quarter Horse âgé de deux jours a été présenté à l’Atlantic Veterinary College pour un décubitus et de la diarrhée. L’anamnèse nutritionnelle de la mè...
Rainger JE, Dart AJ.Enteral fluids administered alone, or in conjunction with intravenous fluids, are reported to be useful for the treatment of dehydration and electrolyte loss associated with diarrhoea in a number of species, following exercise in horses and for feed impaction of the large intestine of horses. Enteral fluids are suitable for treatment of mild to moderately dehydrated patients with some intact intestinal epithelium and motile small intestine. In patients that will drink voluntarily or tolerate nasal intubation the use of enteral fluids may avoid the complications associated with intravenous flui...
