Use of Enteral Electrolyte Solutions Containing Different Energy Sources Administered by Continuous Flow via Nasoesophageal Tube in Dogs

This study compared the effects of two hypotonic enteral electrolyte solutions containing different energy sources, administered by nasoesophageal tube in continuous flow, on dogs subjected to water and food restriction. Evaluated parameters included serum concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, urea, and creatinine, as well as urinary specific gravity, volume, and excretion of sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, urea, and creatinine. Six healthy adult dogs were experimentally submitted to water and food restriction and used in a 6 × 2 crossover design. All animals received both treatments. The treatments were as follows: ESMalt: 5 g of sodium chloride, 1 g of potassium chloride, 1 g of calcium acetate, 0.2 g of magnesium pidolate, and 9.6 g of maltodextrin diluted in 1000 mL of water (measured osmolarity: 215 mOsm L−1); ESDext: 5 g of sodium chloride, 1 g of potassium chloride, 1 g of calcium acetate, 0.2 g of magnesium pidolate, and 9.6 g of dextrose diluted in 1000 mL of water (measured osmolarity: 243 mOsm L−1). The solutions were administered at a rate of 15 mL kg−1 hour−1 for four hours in continuous flow. In conclusion, hypotonic enteral electrolyte solutions promoted an increase in urinary volume and a decrease in urinary specific gravity without causing any adverse effects. The animals in the ESMalt group exhibited a higher urinary volume.