Effects of small- and large-volume resuscitation on coagulation and electrolytes during experimental endotoxemia in anesthetized horses.
Authors: Pantaleon Lucas G, Furr Martin O, McKenzie Harold C, Donaldson Lydia
Journal: Journal of veterinary internal medicine
Summary
# Editorial Summary Endotoxaemia in horses triggers profound haemodynamic and coagulatory disturbances, prompting debate over whether small-volume resuscitation (SVR) using hypertonic saline and synthetic colloids might offer advantages over conventional large-volume isotonic fluid therapy. Lucas and colleagues investigated how SVR, large-volume isotonic resuscitation, and small-volume isotonic approaches affected coagulation parameters and serum electrolytes during experimental lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxaemia in anaesthetised horses. The trial compared these three fluid protocols across their ability to maintain electrolyte homeostasis and prevent the coagulopathy characteristic of endotoxaemic shock. Understanding which resuscitation strategy best preserves coagulation function and electrolyte balance is critical for equine practitioners managing septic or colicky cases, as aggressive fluid protocols, whilst improving tissue perfusion acutely, may paradoxically worsen consumptive coagulopathy or electrolyte derangement. The findings provide evidence-based guidance on fluid selection during endotoxaemic crisis, with implications for tailoring resuscitation protocols to minimise secondary complications in this high-mortality condition.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Small-volume hypertonic saline resuscitation may offer an alternative to large-volume isotonic fluid therapy for managing endotoxemic horses with potential advantages in coagulation stability
- •Veterinarians treating septic or endotoxemic horses should monitor both electrolyte concentrations and coagulation status when selecting resuscitation fluid strategies
- •This research provides evidence to guide fluid therapy decisions in equine critical care, particularly for cases where large-volume resuscitation may be contraindicated
Key Findings
- •Study compared small-volume resuscitation (hypertonic saline plus hetastarch) with large- and small-volume isotonic resuscitation in endotoxemic horses
- •Effects of SVR on coagulation parameters and serum electrolyte concentrations were evaluated during experimental endotoxemia
- •Research was part of a larger project examining fluid therapy interventions in anesthetized equine models of endotoxemia