Effect of hypertonic and isotonic saline solutions on plasma constituents of conscious horses.

This research investigates how hypertonic and isotonic saline solutions impact the plasma constituents of conscious, standing horses. The key findings indicate no significant treatment effect on body weight and plasma protein concentration. It also observed an increase in plasma volume, while plasma protein and pack cell volume (PCV) decreased transiently following administration of either fluid.

Methodology

• The study utilized a two-period crossover experimental design, involving five standing horses.
• Each horse was given either a hypertonic (2,400 mosm/kg, i.v.) or isotonic (300 mosm/kg, i.v.) saline solution, at a dosage of 5 ml/kg and an infusion rate of 80 ml/min.
• Blood constituents and vascular volume indices were determined before the fluid administration and half an hour after the fluid administration. Subsequent samples were collected at either 0.25- or 0.5-hour intervals for 4.5 hours.

Findings

• By the end of 4.5 hours, the administration of hypertonic saline solution resulted in a significant decrease in mean body weight. In contrast, administration of isotonic saline did not significantly influence body weight.
• Formulating a difference based on treatment (between-trial difference), it was observed that other than body weight and plasma protein concentration, no other measured variable was affected by the kind of treatment.
• There was an observed increase in mean plasma volume (12.3 +/- 1.07%) irrespective of the type of fluid received.
• A mirrored decrease in both the concentration of plasma protein (-12.1 +/- 1.03%) and the PCV (-11.9 + 0.67%) was observed, implying a transient association linked to the administration of either fluid, again independent of the type of fluid.
• Other observed time effects include an increase in plasma osmolality and concentrations of sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl). However, the total amount of plasma protein and the estimated blood volume remained unaffected.
• In statistical terms, P-values of less than or equal to 0.05 were considered significant.
• The F values in the study signified that increasing the sample size (adding more horses to the experiment) would not have yielded different results.

Conclusion/Implications

• The study concludes that the hypotonic and isotonic saline solutions affect the plasma constituents of conscious horses to some extent, however, they do not show any significant treatment effect on body weight and plasma protein concentration.
• The research contributes to a better understanding of the physiological responses of equines to saline infusions, potentially informing veterinary practices for treatment and recovery procedures.