Comparison of the Effects of Isotonic and Hypertonic Sodium Bicarbonate Solutions on Acidemic Calves Experimentally Induced by Ammonium Chloride Administration

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to evaluate and compare the effects of intravenously (IV) administered infusion of isotonic solution (ISB) or hypertonic sodium bicarbonate solution (HSB) on acid-base equilibrium and the plasma osmolarity in acidemic calves experimentally induced by 5 M-NH₄Cl, IV infusion (1.0 ml/kg, over 1 hr). The ISB and HSB infusion induced progressive and significant increases in their HCO₃^- and BE levels that persisted throughout the period of fluid administration. The plasma osmolarity in the ISB groups was significantly decreased. The plasma osmolarity in the HSB group was significantly higher than in the calves in the other groups (p<0.05). ISB solution might be safe and effective for treating and reviving conscious calves from experimentally induced metabolic acidosis.