ABSTRACT
This study was contemplated to compare the effects of hypertonic (7.5% NaCl;
2,400 mOsm/L) and isotonic (0.9% NaCl; 300 mOsm/L) saline solutions associated
with oral rehydrating solution, on plasma volume, serum biochemical profile and serum
electrolytes in goats with osmotic diarrhea-induced dehydration. For this purpose,
eighteen Beetle goats, aged 9 to 12 months, were used. Goats were randomly divided
into three groups: group A, with no treatment (diarrhea control group); group B,
treatment with isotonic saline plus oral solution; and group C, treatment with hypertonic
saline plus oral solution. Animals with no treatment presented aqueous diarrhea,
decreased plasma volume, severe hyponatremia, hypochloremia and hypokalemia. The
use of small volumes of hypertonic saline solution in a single dose restored the plasma
volume and serum sodium and chloride concentrations. When compared to isotonic
saline, hypertonic saline brought about a less marked hemodilution and reestablished
serum potassium concentration. We concluded that a rapid infusion of small volume of
hypertonic saline solution with oral rehydrating solution immediately increases plasma
volume, serum sodium and chloride concentrations and restores the volume of
extracellular fluid constituting a practical and economical alternative to the use of large
volumes of isotonic saline solution.