Hemodynamic effects of calcium gluconate administered to conscious horses.

The research article reveals that the administration of calcium gluconate to conscious horses improves their cardiac functions. The study also found that administering the drug at varying rates (0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/kg/min) caused significant increases in ionized and total calcium concentrations, cardiac index, stroke index and cardiac contractility, without altering mean arterial pressure and right atrial pressure.

Research Methodology

• The researchers conducted the study by administering calcium gluconate to conscious horses at three different rates: 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/kg/min for a period of 15 minutes each.
• Following administration, Serum calcium concentrations and parameters of cardiovascular function were evaluated.

Research Findings

• All three calcium administration rates resulted in marked increases in both ionized and total calcium concentrations, cardiac index, stroke index, and cardiac contractility (dP/dtmax).
• No changes were observed in the mean arterial pressure and right atrial pressure; contrarily heart rate decreased remarkably during calcium administration.
• Ionized calcium concentration remained between 54% and 57% of total calcium concentration throughout the period of the study.

Conclusion

• From the study, the researchers concluded that calcium gluconate can be administered safely to conscious horses at the rates between 0.1 to 0.4 mg/kg/min.
• Such administration is expected to result in improved cardiac function. This finding could potentially have significant implications in veterinary medicine, particularly in the treatment of cardiac conditions in equine animals.