Clinical features and treatment of renal tubular acidosis in two horses.

This research article investigates the clinical symptoms and treatment of extreme hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis in two horses. Both horses diagnosed with renal tubular acidosis, showed symptoms of lethargy and various degrees of impaired movement, and were successfully treated with fluid and electrolyte therapy, and daily oral doses of sodium bicarbonate.

Research Overview

• The study examines two separate cases of horses presenting with severe hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis without azotemia. Hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis is a condition caused by excessive chloride in the blood, resulting in the lowering of blood pH – making it more acidic, while azotemia refers to the elevation of nitrogen-containing compounds in the blood.
• The horses, an 11-year-old mare and a 2-year-old colt, displayed distinct symptoms. The mare was depressed and showed poor coordination in movements while the colt was depressed, refused to eat, and lost weight over a period of six weeks.

Diagnosis

• Both horses were diagnosed with renal tubular acidosis, a condition that occurs when the kidneys fail to adequately remove acids from the blood into the urine. When this happens, the blood remains too acidic which leads to a host of metabolic problems.

Treatment Approaches

• Both horses responded positively to fluid and electrolyte therapy. This medical treatment is used to compensate for the loss of body fluid and essential salts and to restore the acid-base balance in the body.
• Apart from this, a daily oral administration of sodium bicarbonate was necessary for the maintenance of their health. Sodium bicarbonate is a commonly used medicine in the treatment of acidosis as it helps neutralize excess acids in the blood.

Conclusion

• The study offers insights into the clinical features and an effective treatment method for horses with renal tubular acidosis.
• The successful use of fluid and electrolyte therapy, in addition to daily sodium bicarbonate administration, could potentially guide future treatment approaches for similar cases.