This study evaluated the effects of isotonic electrolyte solutions administered via small-bore nasogastric intubation on a continuous flow rate on the hematocrit, total protein, albumin, sodium, potassium, chloride, total magnesium, urea, creatinine, glucose and lactate in cattle experimentally dehydrated. Six crossbred adult cattle, two males and four females were used for the study. Enteral fluid therapy was performed by using 15mL kg-1 h-1 for 12 hours. The animals were divided in two treatments in a "crossover" experimental design and subjected to the following treatments: SEGlic: 4g NaCl, 1g KCl, 4g NaHCO3, 5g dextrose in 1.000mL of water; SEProp: 8g NaCl, 0.5g KCl, 0.5g CaCl2, 15mL propylene glycol in 1.000mL of water. Both treatments demonstrated expansion of blood volume, reduction of hematocrit and total protein. In the SEGlic treatment, hypernatremia and increase of lactate were observed. On the other hand, the SEProp treatment caused an increase in the level of plasma glucose, while the other parameters remained within the reference values.
cattle; enteral fluid therapy; electrolyte solutions; nasogastric tube
