Continuous fluid infusion per rectum compared with intravenous and nasogastric fluid administration in horses.
Authors: Khan A, Hallowell G D, Underwood C, van Eps A W
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Rectal Fluid Administration in Horses Khan and colleagues investigated whether administering fluids directly into the rectum could provide an effective alternative to intravenous or nasogastric routes in horses, addressing a clinical need for simpler, more accessible rehydration methods. Six healthy Standardbred geldings received fluid at 5 mL/kg/h for six hours via each of three routes (intravenous, nasogastric and rectal) in a randomised crossover design, with measurements of packed cell volume, total solids, electrolytes and vital parameters taken every two hours to assess fluid absorption and cardiovascular effects. Rectal administration proved well tolerated and produced comparable haemodilution to both intravenous and nasogastric methods—packed cell volume decreased from 40% to 35% (P<0.001)—whilst bodyweight remained stable, indicating successful fluid absorption rather than leakage or retention in the colon. Although the study was limited by its small sample size of euhydrated horses and relatively short treatment duration, the findings suggest rectal fluid therapy merits further clinical evaluation as a practical, inexpensive adjunct or alternative, particularly in cases where nasogastric intubation is contraindicated or where intravenous access is unavailable. Practitioners should recognise this as a potential option for field cases requiring fluid support, though additional investigation in dehydrated or colic patients would strengthen evidence for wider clinical application.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Rectal fluid administration offers a simple, inexpensive alternative to IV or nasogastric routes when those methods are not possible or contraindicated
- •Plain water administered rectally at 5 mL/kg/h is absorbed systemically and produces measurable haemodilution comparable to traditional routes
- •This technique requires clinical evaluation before use but may be particularly valuable as an adjunct therapy in field conditions or when specialist equipment is unavailable
Key Findings
- •Rectal fluid administration at 5 mL/kg/h for 6 hours was well tolerated in healthy horses with clinical chemistry changes consistent with haemodilution
- •Packed cell volume decreased from 40% to 35% with rectal fluid administration (P<0.001), similar to intravenous and nasogastric routes
- •Total solids decreased with intravenous and rectal fluid administration (P<0.001), indicating systemic absorption
- •Rectal administration prevented bodyweight loss seen in controls, similar to intravenous and nasogastric fluid treatments