Effect of acetate- and lactate-containing intravenous fluid on acid-base status, electrolytes and plasma lactate concentration in dehydrated cats.

Objectives: Acetate (ACE) and lactate (LAC)-containing balanced resuscitation fluids are commonly used for fluid therapy in cats. These fluids can influence acid-base and electrolyte status. This prospective randomised study compared two balanced crystalloid solutions regarding their effect on acid-base status, electrolytes and LAC concentrations in dehydrated cats after intravenous fluid therapy.

Methods: A total of 100 client-owned cats presenting to the emergency service with dehydration ⩾5% due to diarrhoea, vomiting or anorexia were included in this study. They were randomised to receive either ACE- (Sterofundin ISO; B Braun Vet Care) or LAC-containing (Ringer-Laktat nach Hartmann; B. Braun Vet Care) fluids for rehydration. Exclusion criteria were age <6 months, severe electrolyte abnormalities, severely increased creatinine or bolus therapy, and decompensated heart disease and liver diseases. Vital parameters were assessed and venous blood gas analysis was performed before and after fluid therapy. Data were analysed using the Mann-Whitney U-test and the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test. The significance level was set at P ⩽0.05.

Results: Post-rehydration pH normalised, and bicarbonate and base excess increased in both groups. Anion gap and LAC and potassium concentrations decreased in both groups. No difference in electrolyte, acid-base status and LAC was observed between cats receiving ACE and cats receiving LAC.

Conclusions and relevance: Both fluids have similar effects on dehydrated cats' acid-base status and electrolyte and LAC concentrations. No significant differences in values were found between ACE- and LAC-containing resuscitation fluids. Blood LAC concentration decreased in both groups.