A pilot study of protein sparing in healthy dogs using peripheral parenteral nutrition

Total parenteral nutrition is the standard nutritional support of dogs when the enteral route is contraindicated, but it can be difficult because of c ost, technical difficulties, and potential complications. Peripheral parent eral nutrition (PPN) may be a feasible option for short-term support in som e cases. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of PPN O n nitrogen balance las an indicator of the effect on protein sparing), seru m folate concentrations and serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I conce ntrations in fasting dugs. The effect of PPN On these parameters has not pr eviously been reported in dogs. Using a cross-over design, three healthy ad ult fasting dogs were randomly assigned to three treatments: 5 per cent ami no acid solution, 5 per cent glucose solution, and a control electrolyte so lution. The solutions were administered into a peripheral vein at 60 mi kg( -1) per day for 4 days. The amino acid infusion resulted in a positive nitr ogen balance and the glucose infusion produced less nitrogen loss than the control. Amino acid, but not glucose or electrolyte infusions, decreased se rum folate concentrations. Amino acid and glucose infusions resulted in hig her serum IGF-I concentrations than electrolyte infusions, although the dif ferences were small and ICF-I decreased in all cases. In conclusion, these findings suggest that PPN increases nitrogen balance in healthy dogs underg oing short-term fasting. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.