Clinical, hematologic, and electrolyte changes with 0.9% sodium chloride or acetated fluids in endurance horses.

This research focused on comparing the impact of two types of intravenous fluids, 0.9% sodium chloride and a commercially available acetated fluid (CAF), in the emergency medical treatment of endurance horses. Key findings indicated varying effects on clinical and biochemical parameters, raising questions about the best choices for emergency fluid therapy.

Research Objectives and Methods

• This study was carried out as a randomized, controlled clinical trial from 2007 to 2010. Its purpose was to analyze changes in horses requiring emergency treatment, specific to the types of intravenous fluids utilized.
• The study was conducted in emergency treatment centers during the Western States 100-mile endurance ride. Twelve horses which required such emergency medical treatment completed the study.
• The horses were split into two groups (each with 6 horses). The groups were assigned different fluid types: 0.9% sodium chloride and a commercially available acetated fluid (CAF). Each horse received a total of 20 L of the assigned fluid.
• Various medical metrics, such as heart rate, electrolyte properties, and blood composition, were collected before and during the fluid therapy for comparative analysis.

Key Findings

• In the group that received 0.9% sodium chloride, they saw a decrease in heart rate, packed cell volume (PCV), total plasma protein (TPP), and the sodium-chloride difference. Additionally, the plasma concentrations of chloride and sodium increased significantly.
• The horses treated with the CAF had a decrease in PCV and TPP, comparable to the first group, but no other specific changes were noted.

Significance of the Study and Future Research

• The results from this study are meant to contribute to the design of future larger clinical trials that aim to provide more conclusive data on the impacts of different types of fluid therapy on endurance horses’ clinical and biochemical parameters.
• The rise in plasma chloride concentration observed in horses treated with 0.9% sodium chloride suggests that this type of fluid might not be the best choice for emergency management in endurance horses. Further investigations are needed to validate this initial suggestion.