EVALUATION OF A HYPERTONIC SODIUM CHLORIDE DEXTRAN SOLUTION FOR TREATMENT OF TRAUMATIC SHOCK IN DOGS/

Objective-To compare the efficacy of 7% NaCl solution (hypertonic sali ne) in 6% dextran 70 solution (HSD) with that of lactated Ringer's sol ution (LRS) for treatment of dogs in traumatic shock. Design-Prospecti ve, randomized, clinical study. Animals-16 traumatized adult dogs with clinical signs of shock. Procedure-Physical, hemodynamic, blood gas, and clinical chemistry measurements were performed prior to treatment. initial treatment consisted of HSD (n = 8) or LRS (n = 8) administere d as a bolus (5 ml/kg of body weight, IV) over a 3-minute period, foll owed by administration of additional LRS and other treatments to resto re hemodynamic and physical criteria to within reference limits. Measu rements were repeated for 3 hours after initial treatment. The volumes of LRS and HSD administered were recorded hourly. Degree of injury wa s scored by using a trauma severity index. Results-Dogs responded simi larly to the treatments, and all but 3 dogs survived to be discharged. The amount of fluid administered to dogs in the HSD group over the fi nal 2 hours of the study was significantly less than that administered to the dogs in the LRS group. Serum sodium concentration and osmolali ty of the dogs in the HSD group were not significantly greater than th ose values in the IRS group. Bradyarrhythmias were observed in 2 dogs in the HSD group. Clinical Implications-Hypertonic sodium chloride/ de xtran solution is safe and effective for resuscitating dogs in traumat ic shock. Seven percent NaCl in 6% dextran 70 may reduce the need for isolonic fluids in the hours after initial resuscitation.