Comparative Trial of Continuous Flow Enteral and Intravenous Fluid Therapy in Horses.
Authors: Dias Domingos C R, Ribeiro Filho José D, Viana Rinaldo B, Bittencourt Thereza C C, Dantas Fernanda T D R, Teixeira Raffaella B C, Di Filippo Paula A, Manso Filho Hélio C, Alves Samuel R, Santos Paulo V M, Moreira Nadyne S
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Continuous Flow Enteral versus Intravenous Rehydration in Horses Challenging conventional reliance on intravenous fluid therapy, researchers compared continuous enteral delivery of isotonic and hypotonic electrolyte solutions against standard IV Lactate Ringer's in six experimentally dehydrated mares, administering all treatments at 15 mL/kg/hour for 8 hours following 36 hours of water and feed withdrawal. Blood gas analysis, serum and urinary biochemistry, and urine output were measured throughout the rehydration period, capturing the full physiological response to each treatment approach. Both enteral formulations proved as effective as IV therapy at restoring blood volume and correcting the mild electrolytic and acid-base disturbances induced by dehydration, with all three treatments increasing urine output substantially—though isotonic enteral solutions produced a slight acidifying effect not observed with hypotonic enteral or IV administration. For field practitioners managing dehydrated horses where IV access is difficult or delayed, or in cases requiring extended fluid support, this evidence supports continuous enteral rehydration as a viable and physiologically sound alternative, provided appropriate osmolality and delivery rates are maintained. The findings warrant further investigation in clinical cases of varying severity and duration of dehydration to establish practical protocols for non-emergency and extended care scenarios.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Continuous flow enteral fluid therapy with electrolyte solutions is a safe and effective alternative to IV fluid therapy for treating dehydrated horses, potentially offering a less invasive option when IV access is difficult.
- •Hypotonic enteral solutions appear preferable to isotonic for maintaining acid-base balance while rehydrating, though all approaches successfully restore fluid and electrolyte status.
- •Enteral rehydration therapy may reduce reliance on intravenous catheters in field or non-intensive settings while maintaining clinical efficacy.
Key Findings
- •Continuous flow enteral isotonic and hypotonic electrolyte solutions were as effective as intravenous Lactate Ringer solution for restoring blood volume in dehydrated horses.
- •Both enteral treatment groups successfully restored hydroelectrolytic and acid-base imbalances caused by 36-hour water and food deprivation.
- •Enteral hypotonic solution and IV therapy showed no adverse effects on acid-base balance, while isotonic enteral solution produced a slight acidifying effect.
- •All three treatment protocols (enteral isotonic, enteral hypotonic, and IV) significantly increased urinary volume output.