Description:
<jats:p>Two different fluid solutions were infused through percutaneous cecal catheters in 6 healthy ponies to determine the effects on body weight; CBC; packed cell volume (PCV); total plasma protein concentration; plasma fibrinogen concentration; abdominal fluid analysis; concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, Ca, total CO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> (TCO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>), Na, CI, K, and P; and fractional clearance (FC) of Na, CI, K, and P. During intracecal administration of solution 1, FC<jats:sub>Na</jats:sub> and FC<jats:sub>CI</jats:sub> were significantly increased, whereas FC<jats:sub>K</jats:sub> and BUN were significantly decreased. During administration of solution 2, FC<jats:sub>Na</jats:sub> and serum P were significantly increased, while PCV was significantly decreased. All ponies developed peritonitis during the study. Complications included catheter‐related problems, diarrhea, laminitis, and hypocalcemia. We concluded that hydration and electrolyte balance could be maintained by administration of crystalloid solutions intracecally, but that complications were associated with the procedure.</jats:p>