Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
High-sodium IV fluids treat salt toxicosis in pig
By Banks, P et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1996·Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: High-sodium crystalloid solution for treatment of hypernatremia in a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig.
- Species:
- pig
Plain-English summary
An 11-month-old female Vietnamese pot-bellied pig was brought in for severe dehydration and neurological issues, including confusion, trouble walking, blindness, and muscle twitching. Tests showed she had dangerously high levels of sodium and other electrolytes due to salt poisoning and lack of water. The vet treated her with a special high-sodium fluid given through an IV, along with anti-inflammatory medications and supportive care. She started to improve quickly and was sent home after 8 days, although she still had some vision problems. This new treatment method shows promise for better outcomes in similar cases.
People also search for: pig dehydration treatment · salt poisoning in pigs · pot-bellied pig blindness causes
Abstract
An 11-month-old female Vietnamese pot-bellied pig was examined for severe dehydration and neurologic signs including disorientation, ataxia, blindness, and involuntary twitching of the muscles of the neck and head. Biochemical analyses of serum revealed hypernatremia, hyperchloremia, hyperkalemia, azotemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperalbuminemia, and high activities of aspartate transaminase and creatine kinase. A diagnosis of salt toxicosis/water deprivation was made. Medical management consisted of intravenous administration of a high-sodium crystalloid solution, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other supportive care. Sodium concentration of fluids administered intravenously was adjusted to be slightly less than the pig's serum sodium concentration so that the serum sodium concentration was reduced gradually over 48 hours. Resolution of clinical signs was rapid and the pig was discharged after 8 days of hospitalization. Fourteen days after the initial examination, the pig appeared healthy except for visual deficits. Historically, prognosis with conventional treatment of salt toxicosis/water deprivation is poor; however, this alternative approach to treating this condition appears promising.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8837648/