Intravenous electrolyte solution containing 84 mEq/L of lactate corrects metabolic acidosis in goats

This study aimed to investigate the alkalinizing potential of an intravenous electrolyte solution formulated with a high concentration of sodium lactate in acidotic goats. Two solutions containing 84 mEq/L of lactate (L84) or bicarbonate (B84) were formulated. Six healthy Saanen goats were used in this study. Acute ruminal lactic acidosis (ARLA) was induced (15 g sucrose/kg) in all six goats. After 16 h, metabolic acidosis was established and the goats were treated by infusion of L84 or B84 at a speed of 25 ml/kg/h for four continuous hours; the total volume was equivalent to 10 % of their bodyweight. Each goat was induced twice, and the second induction was performed at least 30 days after complete clinical recovery from the first induction. Samples of venous blood and urine were collected at −16 h (before ARLA induction), 0 h, 2 h, 4 h (end of the infusion), 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h after the beginning of the infusion. Laboratory tests included the determination of blood pH, pCO2, HCO3−, BE, Na+, K+, Cl−, total plasma protein, l-lactate, d-lactate, and creatinine. For the urine samples, the pH, density, and concentrations of Na+, K+, Cl−, l-lactate, and creatinine were determined. The results were compared using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA. The metabolic acidosis due to ARLA was moderate. Both solutions (L84 and B84) corrected the metabolic acidosis and dehydration without differences between them. All goats completely recovered 3–4 days later. Taken all together, the electrolyte solution containing 84 mEq/L of lactate (L84) was effective in the treatment of metabolic acidosis induced by ARLA in goats.