Effect of orally administered sodium bicarbonate on caecal pH.

The research investigates the impact and longevity of orally given sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) on the pH level in a horse’s caecum. The results demonstrate that horses treated with oral sodium bicarbonate had a significantly higher caecal pH for the length of the study.

Methods

• The study was experimental and involved horses with caecal cannulas. The caecum in horses is an organ that aids in the digestion of fibrous material. It also maintains a balance in acidity level, which could get disrupted during grain overload leading to caecal acidosis.
• Out of nine horses, six were given 1.0 g/kg bwt NaHCO3, while the remaining three control horses were given 3 l of water through a nasogastric tube.
• The team recorded clinical parameters, water intake, venous blood gases, caecal pH, fecal pH, and fecal water content. These measurements were taken every 6 hours over a 36-hour period.

Results

• Horses that were given NaHCO3 orally had a significant increase in caecal pH that lasted throughout the study period.
• Treated horses also increased their water consumption, experienced metabolic alkalaemia, showed a significant rise in plasma sodium concentrations, and a significant decrease in plasma potassium concentrations. Metabolic alkalaemia occurs when there are fewer hydrogen ions in the blood, resulting in a higher pH level, making the blood more alkaline.

Conclusions

• The researchers concluded that the oral administration of NaHCO3 could potentially be helpful in buffering caecal acidosis.

Implications of the research

• This study will help to educate veterinarians and horse caretakers about the possible benefits of oral sodium bicarbonate in cases of potential grain overload and caecal acidosis.
• However, as the study is experimental and conducted on a small scale, further research with larger sample sizes may be needed to solidify the findings and understand any potential side-effects.