Influence of furosemide treatment on fluid and electrolyte balance in horses.

The study investigates the effects of administering the drug Furosemide on the fluid and electrolyte levels in horses. The researchers found significant changes in the horses’ bio-chemical levels, urine content, and body weight post-administration, though no notable clinical signs were observed.

Experimentation and Finding

• The study involved observing the effects of Furosemide, a common diuretic, on horses. This was done by monitoring alterations in electrolyte and acid-base balance in six horses for eight hours after administering the drug. The results were then compared with those of five healthy, untreated horses known as controls that were kept under identical environmental conditions.
• The treated horses showed a decrease in plasma potassium, chloride, and calcium concentration and an increase in plasma protein content. Interestingly, there was no observable change in plasma sodium concentration, osmolality, or packed cell volume.
• Despite the changes in certain chemical levels, plasma bicarbonate concentration and PCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) remained high for the duration of the study. The venous blood pH level only showed a slight increase at the six-hour mark.

Effects on Urine and Body Weight

• Furosemide had noticeable effects on the horses’ urine. There were decreases in its pH, specific gravity, osmolality, as well as potassium and calcium concentrations. Conversely, there were increases in urine volume and total urine sodium, chloride, and calcium excretion.
• Administering Furosemide led to body weight decrease in the treated horses (about 19.2 +/- 5.2 kg, which represents 4 +/- 1% of body weight). For the control groups or untreated horses, the weight loss was less (8 +/- 2.1 kg, 1.5 +/- 0.4% of body weight) over the eight-hour experimental period.

Clinical Observations

• Despite these biochemical changes and weight loss, the study noted that the Furosemide administration did not lead to any visible clinical symptoms in the horses. Important indicators such as pulse pressure, skin turgor (elasticity), capillary refill time, and jugular distensibility remained constant throughout the experimental period.