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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Continuous fluid infusion per rectum compared with intraveno...
Equine veterinary journal2019; 51(6); 767-773; doi: 10.1111/evj.13113

Continuous fluid infusion per rectum compared with intravenous and nasogastric fluid administration in horses.

Abstract: Rectal fluid administration may offer a simple, safe and inexpensive alternative to intravenous or nasogastric fluid therapy in equine clinical cases. Objective: To evaluate the tolerance and effects of rectally administered fluid and compare the measurements of haemodilution and intravascular volume with those during nasogastric and intravenous fluid administration. Methods: Randomised controlled experimental trial. Methods: Six clinically normal Standardbred geldings were used in a 4-way crossover study: each received three different fluid treatments (intravenous, nasogastric and rectal) at 5 mL/kg/h for 6 h and underwent a control (no treatment) with water and feed withheld. Bodyweight was measured at baseline and 6 h. Packed cell volume (PCV), total solids (TS), albumin, electrolytes, lactate, urine specific gravity, vital parameters, gastrointestinal borborygmi and central venous pressure were measured every 2 h. Results: Rectal fluid administration with plain water was well tolerated and caused clinical chemistry changes consistent with haemodilution, indicating absorption. Mean (95% confidence interval) PCV decreased from 40% [40-42] at 0 h to 35% [34-36] at 6 h during rectal fluid treatment (P<0.001), similar to decreases in PCV occurring also with i.v. and nasogastric (NGT) treatment (P<0.001). The TS also decreased with i.v. and rectal fluid (P<0.001). There was a decrease in bodyweight in the control (P<0.001) but not with any of the fluid treatments. Conclusions: A small sample size of healthy, euhydrated horses and a relatively short duration of fluid administration was used. Conclusions: Rectal fluid administration requires clinical evaluation, but may offer an inexpensive, safe alternative or adjunct to i.v. fluid administration, particularly when administration via NGT is not possible or contraindicated. The Summary is available in Portuguese - see Supporting Information.
© 2019 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2019-04-12 PubMed ID: 30900297DOI: 10.1111/evj.13113Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Veterinary

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research examines the impact of rectal fluid administration in horses, comparing its effectiveness to nasogastric and intravenous methods. The study indicates that rectal fluid administration may serve as a low-cost, safe alternative, particularly when nasogastric administration is not feasible.

Study Design and Methodology

  • The research was a randomised controlled experimental trial that used six clinically healthy Standardbred geldings.
  • The researchers conducted a 4-way crossover study, with each horse receiving three different fluid treatments: intravenous, nasogastric, and rectal. These treatments were administered at a rate of 5 mL/kg/h for 6 hours.
  • A control group was also established, with water and feed withheld.
  • The researchers assessed parameters such as bodyweight (at baseline and after 6 hours), packed cell volume (PCV), total solids (TS), albumin, electrolytes, lactate, urine specific gravity, vital parameters, gastrointestinal borborygmi, and central venous pressure every 2 hours.

Key Findings

  • Rectal fluid administration with plain water was well received by the horses. The horses showed clinical chemistry changes that aligned with haemodilution, indicating that absorption occurred.
  • During rectal fluid treatment, the PCV decreased from 40% at the beginning to 35% after 6 hours. This decrease was similar to the reductions observed with intravenous and nasogastric treatments.
  • There was a decrease in bodyweight in the control group, but no such change was observed with any of the fluid treatments.

Study Limitations and Recommendations

  • The sample size was small consisting of healthy, well-hydrated horses, and the duration of fluid administration was relatively short.
  • Despite these limitations, the authors suggest that rectal fluid administration may offer a safe, inexpensive alternative or addition to intravenous fluid administration when nasogastric delivery is not possible or appropriate.
  • However, further clinical evaluation of rectal fluid administration is recommended to validate these findings.

Cite This Article

APA
Khan A, Hallowell GD, Underwood C, van Eps AW. (2019). Continuous fluid infusion per rectum compared with intravenous and nasogastric fluid administration in horses. Equine Vet J, 51(6), 767-773. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13113

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 51
Issue: 6
Pages: 767-773

Researcher Affiliations

Khan, A
  • School of Veterinary Science, the University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia.
Hallowell, G D
  • School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, the University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, UK.
Underwood, C
  • School of Veterinary Science, the University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia.
van Eps, A W
  • School of Veterinary Science, the University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia.

MeSH Terms

  • Administration, Intravenous / veterinary
  • Administration, Rectal
  • Animals
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Fluid Therapy / methods
  • Fluid Therapy / veterinary
  • Hemodilution / veterinary
  • Horse Diseases / therapy
  • Horses
  • Intubation, Gastrointestinal / veterinary
  • Male

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Citations

This article has been cited 6 times.
  1. Chigerwe M, Blasczynski SJ, Abi-Nader BA, Condy PM, Kretsch CM, Depenbrock SM. Continuous fluid infusion per rectum compared with intravenous fluid infusion in pigs.. J Vet Intern Med 2023 Jul-Aug;37(4):1580-1587.
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  2. Vokes J, Lovett A, Sykes B. Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome: An Update on Current Knowledge.. Animals (Basel) 2023 Apr 5;13(7).
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  3. Hobbs KJ, DeNotta SL, Gallastegui A, Elane GL, Rivero LA, Adkins P, Gomez DE. Obstipation in pet pigs: 24 cases.. Can Vet J 2021 Aug;62(8):843-848.
    pubmed: 34341596
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