Enteral fluid therapy administered in continuous flow by naso-ruminal route using three maintenance electrolyte solutions: effects on physiological biomarkers and the hemogram of bovines

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of three enteral electrolyte solutions, each with different energy sources, administrated as continuous flow on the physiological parameters and blood count of healthy Holstein heifers. Six Holstein heifers were used in a crossover design. All animals received all three treatments: solution with calcium propionate, 4g of NaCl, 0.5g of KCl, 0.3g of MgCl2, and 10g of calcium propionate diluted in 1000mL of water (measured osmolarity: 299mOsm/L); solution with glycerol, 4g of NaCl, 0.5g of KCl, 0.3g of MgCl2, 1g of calcium acetate, and 10mL of glycerol in 1000mL of water (measured osmolarity: 287mOsm/L); solution with propylene glycol, 4g of NaCl, 0.5g of KCl, 0.3g of MgCl2, 1g of calcium acetate, and 15mL of propylene glycol in 1000mL of water (measured osmolarity: 378mOsm/L). Physical evaluations and blood samples were collected immediately before the initiation of fluid therapy, at 3-hour intervals over the 12-hour period of fluid therapy, and 12 hours after the end of fluid therapy. Animals presented no signs of stress or discomfort. All solutions resulted in a significant decrease in erythrocyte concentration, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit, without affecting the leukogram. Enteral fluid therapy administered as continuous flow via the naso-ruminal route was well-tolerated by animals with minimal effects on animal welfare, even when administered for 12 hours. This technique is indicated as an alternative route for parenteral maintenance fluid therapy. Electrolyte solutions proposed here were able to significantly expand blood volume.

Two enteral solutions with different chloride concentrations administered by naso-ruminal route for fluid therapy in adult cattle

“…The URE levels better show the effects of the fasting period (T = 0 h) and the post-hydration period (T = 24 h). The URE levels were increased by the decrease of kidney activity at T=0 h, but the enteral fluid therapy was able to restore such activity (ERMITA et al, 2018). The use of amino acids for glycogenesis helps to increase the concentration of nitrogen derivatives in the blood stream (KOZLOSLI, 2011).…”

“…volume in eight hours of fluid therapy without any kidney overload (ERMITA et al, 2018). The Na + , K + , Cland tCa 2+ values are shown in table 2.…”

“…During the hydration therapy, the K Ur decreases because of decreased aldosterone effects. The aldosterone hormone is the main modulator of K Ur excretion, and acts by increasing the effects of the Na/K-ATPase in the basolateral membrane of the collecting ducts and, thus, increasing Na + absorption and K + excretion (ERMITA et al, 2018). The Cl Ur levels are displayed in table 2.…”

“…To prevent the stress caused by successive tube passages, the naso-ruminal route in continuous flow can be used in fluid therapy for long periods, causing minimal discomfort, and allowing animals to eat and drink during the administration of fluid therapy. This route was successfully used in many animals such as cattle (RIBEIRO FILHO et al, 2011;ERMITA et al, 2018) and horses (AVANZA et al, 2009). In dairy cattle, metabolic alkalosis can cause many undesirable effects, like puerperal hypocalcaemia, which happens often in the transition period (MARTÍN-TERESO & MARTENS, 2014).…”

Effects of Hypotonic and Isotonic Enteral Electrolyte Solutions Administered in Continuous Flow in Weaned Foals

“…Both treatments were administered for 12 h in a continuous flow at 15 mL/kg/h, with the animals kept in stalls. The rate of 15 mL/kg/h was based on our clinical routine, in human medicine (12) and veterinary medicine clinical trials (5,(12)(13)(14). After the end of the fluid therapy period, the foals were released in a paddock where they received concentrate (at 0.5% body weight), Tifton 85 hay, water and mineral supplementation ad libitum.…”