A HYPERTONIC INFUSION IN THE TREATMENT OF EXPERIMENTAL SHOCK IN CALVES AND CLINICAL SHOCK IN DOGS AND CATS

A novel composite hypertonic solution for intravenous use was tested i n two experimental models, one of endotoxic shock and one of shock lin ked with dehydration, both in anaesthetised calves. Endotoxic shock wa s induced with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide and was characteris ed by a low cardiac output, hypoxaemia, acidosis and anuria. Treatment with a small volume of the solution increased cardiac output, improve d oxygen carriage, corrected acidosis and stimulated renal function. E xperimental dehydration in calves was induced by intraperitoneal manni tol and frusemide diuresis, and was characterised by reduced circulati ng plasma volume, acidosis and poor peripheral perfusion. Treatment wi th the new solution corrected the acidosis and stimulated peripheral c irculation significantly better than treatment with hypertonic or isot onic saline alone, and also expanded the calves' plasma volume. The ne w solution was also compared with conventional fluid therapy in clinic al small animal practice. Twenty cats and dogs with clinical shock wer e treated with either small volumes of the hypertonic solution or larg e volumes of isotonic fluids. The animals treated with small volumes o f the hypertonic solution responded better than the animals treated wi th large volumes of isotonic fluid.