Effects of concentrated electrolytes administered via a paste on fluid, electrolyte, and acid base balance in horses

To test effectiveness of an electrolyte paste in correcting fluid, electrolyte and acid base alterations in response to furosemide administration.

6 Standardbreds.

Horses received electrolyte paste or water only (control). The paste was given orally 3 hours after furosemide administration (1 mg/kg of body weight, IM). Water was given ad libitum soon after the paste and 3 hours after furosemide administration to treated and control groups, respectively. Paste Na+, K+, and Cl- composition was approximately 2,220, 620, and 2,840 mmol, respectively. The PCV and plasma concentrations of total protein ([TP]), [Na+], [K+], [Cl-]), and bicarbonate ([HCO3-]) were determined, and urinary fluid and electrolyte excretion, fecal water, and body weight changes were measured.

At the end of a 6-hour period, the paste-treated group had higher water consumption, which resulted in lower plasma [TP]; net electrolyte losses also were substantially less. With paste administration, [Na+] was approximately 2 mmol/L above a prefurosemide value of 137.3 mmol/L; control horses had values similar to the prefurosemide value. Plasma [Cl-] remained at the prefurosemide value, but values in control horses decreased by 7 mmol/L with water consumption. Plasma [K+] remained approximately 0.8 mmol/L below prefurosemide values in both groups. Venous [HCO3-] returned to prefurosemide values after paste administration, but alkalosis persisted in control horses after consumption of water only. Body weight loss was less after paste administration.

Administration of electrolyte paste is advantageous over water alone in restoring fluid, electrolyte, and acid base balance after fluid and electrolyte loss attributable to furosemide administration.