Acute and Chronic Effects of Intravenous Hypertonic Saline Solution and Rehydration Fluid on Plasma Electrolyte Concentrations and Renal Function in Holstein Steers

Abstract

Intravenous (IV) administration of 7.0-7.5% hypertonic saline solution (HSS) is commonly used in dehydrated dairy cows with endotoxic shock and endotoxemia associated with environmental mastitis. Cows are given an IV empirical dose of one to two liters ofHSS (4-5 ml/kg BW) followed by immediate access to drinking water and supportive therapy (anti-inflammatory drugs, oxytocin and frequent milk-out for mastitis). Intravenous small-volume HSS, in conjunction with voluntary oral water consumption, is purported to totally alleviate dehydration without the need for large-volume IV balanced replacement fluids. Use of HSS as the resuscitation fluid for hypovolemia associated with hemorrhagic shock or with loss of vascular tone, as in sepsis or neurogenic shock, remains controversial. HSS resuscitation may detrimentally affect renal function and survival when used in dehydrated patients. This study was conducted to determine detrimental effects on renal function using HSS as the resuscitation fluid in dehydrated cattle.