Effects of concentrated electrolytes administered via a paste on fluid, electrolyte, and acid base balance in horses.

This research study examines the effectiveness of using an electrolyte paste to correct alterations in fluid, electrolyte, and acid base balance in horses caused by the administration of furosemide, a diuretic medication.

Research methodology

• The researchers selected six Standardbred horses for their study.
• The horses were separated into two groups. One of the groups received the electrolyte paste while the second group only received water (control group).
• The paste or water was administered orally three hours after giving the horses furosemide.
• The researchers also provided the horses with water at will soon after the paste administration and three hours after furosemide administration to both control and treated groups.
• The composition of the electrolyte paste was primarily sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and chloride (Cl-) ions.
• The researchers measured various factors in the horses including body weight changes, fecal water, urinary fluid and electrolyte excretion, as well as the packed cell volume (PCV) and plasma concentrations of total protein (TP), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-), and bicarbonate (HCO3-).

Results of the study

• The study revealed that horses that received the electrolyte paste consumed more water, had lower levels of plasma TP and substantially less net electrolyte losses compared to the control group.
• It was noted that, with the electrolyte paste administration, sodium levels were approximately 2 mmol/L above the prefurosemide value.
• Despite the horses consuming more water, plasma chloride remained at the prefurosemide value while the control group’s chloride levels decreased.
• Plasma potassium levels remained approximately 0.8 mmol/L below the prefurosemide levels across both groups.
• Venous bicarbonate levels returned to prefurosemide values post electrolyte paste administration, while alkalosis persisted in the control group after water consumption only.
• Finally, the paste administration resulted in less body weight loss in horses compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Based on the findings of the study, the researchers concluded that the administration of electrolyte paste is more effective than water alone for restoring fluid, electrolyte, and acid base balance in horses post the administration of furosemide. The electrolyte paste not only minimized losses in blood levels of important electrolytes but also reduced the degree of weight loss experienced by the horses. This research provides useful insights for managing horses on diuretic medications.