Continuous fluid infusion per rectum compared with intravenous fluid infusion in pigs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Physiology
• Fluid Therapy

Background:

• Peripheral venous access in pigs is challenging, necessitating alternative fluid administration routes.
• Rectal fluid administration (proctoclysis) is explored as a potential alternative to intravenous (IV) therapy in swine.
• Understanding the physiological impact of proctoclysis is crucial for its potential application in pigs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the tolerance of proctoclysis in pigs.
• To compare hematological and biochemical analytes following intravenous and proctoclysis fluid administration.
• To determine if proctoclysis induces similar hemodilution effects as IV fluid therapy.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, cross-over clinical trial was conducted on six healthy pigs.
• Pigs received three treatments: control, intravenous fluids, and proctoclysis with polyionic fluids (Plasma-Lyte A 148).
• Key analytes (PCV, total solids, albumin, electrolytes) were measured over 12 hours post-administration.

Main Results:

• Proctoclysis was well-tolerated by all pigs.
• Intravenous fluid administration resulted in a significant decrease in albumin concentrations.
• Proctoclysis did not significantly alter any measured laboratory analytes during the study period.

Conclusions:

• Proctoclysis did not produce hemodilution effects comparable to intravenous fluid administration in healthy pigs.
• The findings suggest that proctoclysis may not be a suitable alternative to IV fluid therapy for healthy, euvolemic pigs.
• Further research may be needed to explore the efficacy of proctoclysis in different physiological states or with alternative fluid types.