[Intravenous Administration of Sterile vs. Non-Sterile Infusion Solutions in Horses].

The research article investigates the impact and associated complications in horses given either sterile or non-sterile fluids intravenously, focusing on survival rates, blood pH value, and plasma electrolyte concentrations.

Research Objective

The article sets out to scrutinize the differences in survival and complication rates, blood chemistry values, and plasma electrolyte concentrations in horses that are administered either commercially manufactured intravenous solutions (KILS) or self-made non-sterile intravenous solutions (SILS).

Context and Background

• The study arises from the necessity of intravenous fluid administration in treating disorders in horses that result in a decrease in the volume of bodily fluids, or hypovolemia.
• Intravenous fluids are often used in cases of high gastrointestinal water loss, or when ingestion of fluids is halted or not tolerated.
• Long-term use of commercial intravenous fluids in horse medicine is limited due to its composition, specifically high sodium and chloride concentration, and intermittent availability.
• This has led to an increased use of self-made, non-sterile intravenous solutions in horse clinics.

Research Method

• The study compares the blood and plasma chemistry, survival rates, and complications in horses treated with either commercially available or self-made fluid solutions.
• As part of the process, it evaluates the efficacy and safety of using non-sterile solutions as alternatives.
• This comparison allows for the identification of any significant differences between the two types of fluid solutions, and whether they result in an overall positive or negative impact on the horse’s health status.

Relevance of the Research

• This research has immediate implications for the procedures followed in veterinary medicine, particularly within the study of equine health.
• Understanding the impact and possible complications of using sterile or non-sterile intravenous fluids will have direct effects on treatment protocols and can determine the best practice for fluid administration in specific cases.
• The outcomes may also contribute to discussions around the development of commercial intravenous fluids and could encourage advancements in their formulation and availability.