Veteinary Student University of Tennessee Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
Abstract: Background –Intravenous (IV) fluid administration can be challenging in swine. Rectal fluid administration (proctoclysis) has been used successfully in other species, and is commonly utilized in hospitalized pigs with limited IV access. Recently, a 2022 study in healthy swine reported that proctoclysis did not significantly affect serum biochemical analytes compared to IV fluids, casting doubt to the efficacy of proctoclysis. However, this has not been the clinical impression at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM). Hypothesis/Objectives –The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of proctoclysis in an unhealthy swine population. We hypothesized there would be no changes before and after proctoclysis. Animals –We retrospectively evaluated pigs receiving proctoclysis at UTCVM from 2016-2024. Twenty-five cases fit the admission criteria. Methods –Patient demographics and signalment were identified, and medical records were scoured for electrolyte (Na, K, Cl), hydration (HCT, TS, Lactate) and renal (BUN, Creatinine) parameters recorded before and after proctoclysis in hospitalized pigs. Data was statistically compared for differences (p < 0.05). Results –Statistically significant changes were identified after proctoclysis for hematocrit (p=0.0009); and creatinine (p=0.0002). Mean reductions and p values were NA (1.39mmol/L; p=0.4262), K (0.33mmol/L; p=0.4464), Cl (2.26mmol/L; p=0.0680), HCT (8.79%; 0.0009), TS (0.415g/dL; 0.0576), Lactate (1.77mmol/L, p=0.4609), Creatinine (1.19mg/dL; p=0.0002), and BUN (6.46mg/dL; p=0.1297). Conclusions and Clinical Importance –Proctoclysis appears to be beneficial in unhealthy swine patients, but additional research utilizing uniform treatment strategies is indicated to further evaluate its efficacy.
