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Hemodynamic effects of calcium gluconate administered to conscious horses
T L Grubb1, J H Foreman, G J Benson
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA.
Insights
Calcium gluconate safely improved cardiac function in horses. This study found that administering calcium gluconate at rates of 0.1 to 0.4 mg/kg/min enhanced cardiovascular parameters without adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Equine Pharmacology
Background:
- Cardiovascular support is crucial in equine critical care.
- Understanding the effects of intravenous calcium administration is important for clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cardiovascular effects of varying rates of calcium gluconate administration in conscious horses.
- To determine the safety and efficacy of calcium gluconate for improving cardiac function in equines.
Main Methods:
- Conscious horses received intravenous calcium gluconate at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/kg/min for 15 minutes each.
- Serum calcium concentrations and cardiovascular parameters (cardiac index, stroke index, dP/dtmax, mean arterial pressure, right atrial pressure, heart rate) were monitored.
Main Results:
- All administration rates significantly increased ionized and total calcium concentrations.
- Cardiac index, stroke index, and cardiac contractility (dP/dtmax) were markedly enhanced.
- Heart rate decreased, while mean arterial pressure and right atrial pressure remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- Calcium gluconate can be safely administered to conscious horses at rates of 0.1 to 0.4 mg/kg/min.
- Intravenous calcium gluconate administration improves cardiac function in horses.
Abstract:
Calcium gluconate was administered to conscious horses at 3 different rates (0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/kg/min for 15 minutes each). Serum calcium concentrations and parameters of cardiovascular function were evaluated. All 3 calcium administration rates caused marked increases in both ionized and total calcium concentrations, cardiac index, stroke index, and cardiac contractility (dP/dtmax). Mean arterial pressure and right atrial pressure were unchanged; heart rate decreased markedly during calcium administration. Ionized calcium concentration remained between 54% and 57% of total calcium concentration throughout the study. We conclude that calcium gluconate can safely be administered to conscious horses at 0.1 to 0.4 mg/kg/min and that administration will result in improved cardiac function.