Effect of orally administered sodium bicarbonate on caecal pH.
Authors: Taylor E A, Beard W L, Douthit T, Pohlman L
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Sodium Bicarbonate Administration and Caecal pH in Horses Grain overload triggers a cascade of metabolic complications centred on caecal acidosis, prompting investigation into whether oral sodium bicarbonate buffering might interrupt this pathological process. Taylor et al. (2014) administered 1.0 g/kg bodyweight of sodium bicarbonate via nasogastric tube to nine cannulated horses, monitoring caecal pH, blood gases, electrolytes and faecal characteristics over 36 hours against controls receiving water alone. Treated horses demonstrated significantly elevated caecal pH maintained throughout the study period, though the intervention produced notable secondary effects: increased water consumption, metabolic alkalemia, hypernatraemia and hypokalaemia. These findings suggest oral sodium bicarbonate does successfully neutralise caecal acidosis and warrants further investigation in naturally affected horses; however, the accompanying electrolyte disturbances and systemic alkalosis indicate careful dosing protocols and monitoring are essential if this approach is to be adopted clinically. The results provide theoretical support for bicarbonate buffering during grain overload management, though practitioners should consider the broader metabolic consequences beyond caecal pH correction alone.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Enterally administered sodium bicarbonate can effectively buffer caecal pH in grain overload cases; 1.0 g/kg appears to be an effective dose with sustained effects over 36 hours
- •Monitor electrolytes (sodium and potassium) and acid-base status closely when using this treatment, as metabolic alkalemia and electrolyte shifts occurred in treated horses
- •Increased water intake in treated horses may help with hydration status in acidotic cases, though careful fluid and electrolyte monitoring is essential
Key Findings
- •Oral sodium bicarbonate (1.0 g/kg) significantly increased caecal pH throughout the 36-hour study period in treated horses compared to water-only controls
- •Treated horses developed metabolic alkalemia with significantly increased plasma sodium and significantly decreased plasma potassium concentrations
- •Water intake increased in horses receiving sodium bicarbonate
- •Caecal pH elevation was sustained for the entire duration of the study period