In the present study, the effects of four different electrolyte solutions on the packed cell volume (PCV), plasma volume and plasma concentrations of total protein, sodium, potassium, chloride, total magnesium, and ionized calcium in healthy and experimentally dehydrated horses were evaluated. Four crossbred horses, two males and two females were used. In experiment 1 (E1Des) the animals were experimentally dehydrated, while in the second experiment (E2Hig) healthy equines were used. In both experiments the animals were subjected to the following treatments: SE - isotonic electrolyte solution; SEGlu - glucose-enriched SE; SEMalt - maltodextrine-enriched SE and SEMg - magnesium sulphate-enriched SE. The electrolyte solutions used in all treatments were administered at 15mL kg-1 h-1 during 12h through small-bore nasoesophagus tube by continuous flow. The treatments with the electrolyte solutions resulted in an increase of plasma volume and a decrease in total plasma protein, hematocrit, while the electrolytes remained within the reference values.
horse; fluid therapy; electrolytes; glucose; maltodextrine; magnesium sulfate
