Effects of enteral and intravenous fluid therapy, magnesium sulfate, and sodium sulfate on colonic contents and feces in horses.

This research studied the impact of different fluid treatments in horses and their subsequent effects on the horses’ systemic hydration, plasma electrolyte concentration, colonic and fecal hydration, and gastrointestinal transit. The study found that enteral or ‘through the intestine’ administration of a balanced electrolyte solution or sodium sulfate was most effective in hydrating the colonic contents while sodium sulfate was most effective for fecal hydration. However, these treatments did cause significant electrolyte imbalances.

Research Methodology

• Seven horses with right dorsal colon (RDC) fistulas participated in a crossover experimental design. In such a design, each horse received each of the six treatment options at different times.
• The treatments included no treatment (control), IV fluid therapy (via lactated Ringer’s solution), and enteral administration of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), sodium sulfate (NaSO4), water, or a balanced electrolyte solution. The enteral administration was done using nasogastric intubation.
• Detailed physical examinations were conducted, and samples of blood, RDC contents, and feces were taken every six hours during a 48-hour observation period. During the first 24 hours, the horses only had access to water, while during the second 24 hours, they were given unrestricted access to hay, salt, and water.

Research Findings

• The study found that enteral administration of a balanced electrolyte solution and sodium sulfate were most efficient in promoting hydration of RDC contents, closely followed by water.
• Furthermore, sodium sulfate proved to be the most effective treatment for promoting fecal hydration, followed by magnesium sulfate and the balanced electrolyte solution.
• However, sodium sulfate treatment caused hypocalcemia (low calcium levels in the blood) and hypernatremia (high sodium levels in the blood). Moreover, water treatment led to hyponatremia (low sodium in the blood).

Research Conclusions

• The study concluded that enteral administration of either a balanced electrolyte solution could be beneficial in improving hydration of the RDC contents and thus could be useful in equine cases with large colon impactions.
• However, sodium sulfate and water, while promoting colonic or fecal hydration, can also lead to severe electrolyte imbalances, indicating the need for careful management in their administration.