Crystalloid Fluid Therapy in Sea Turtles

Crystalloid Fluid Therapy in Sea Turtles

• Study evaluated acid-base and plasma biochemical changes in stranded sea turtles after various crystalloid fluids.
• Only isotonic and hypotonic fluids were used, excluding hypertonic and colloid fluids.
• Crystalloids are crucial for rehydration and fluid maintenance.
• Mixed saline-lactated Ringer's solution showed highest acid-base recovery after 3 days.
• Metabolic acidosis was the most frequent problem in juvenile turtles, linked to acid production or base loss.
• Low bicarbonate levels, elevated anion gap, increased lactic acid, and decreased pCO2 indicated metabolic acidosis.
• Hyperchloremia, while observed, was less prevalent.
• Fluid selection depends on clinical disorder and fluid/electrolyte loss.
• Crystalloids with acetate, gluconate, or lactate (e.g., Plasmalyte-A, Normosol-R, lactated Ringer's) are appropriate for reptiles. These solutions increase alkalinity, countering acidosis.
• Lactated Ringer's solution mixed with saline is beneficial for treating acid-base imbalance.
• Untreated turtles displayed respiratory acidosis.
• Use of lactated Ringer's is controversial in reptiles due to potential hyperlactatemia exacerbation.
• Sea turtles naturally produce high lactate concentrations, a factor considered in the study.
• Non-lactate solutions like Plasmalyte-A or Normosol-R are suggested as alternatives when concern of hyperlactatemia is a factor.
• Lactate solutions are acceptable if liver function is adequate.

Treatment Results and Recommendations

• Lactated Ringer's solution, in the study, lowered lactate concentrations in most treated turtles, but resulted in metabolic alkalosis in a significant portion (66.6%).
• Few turtles (33%) restored acid-base balance after lactated Ringer's treatment.
• Mixed saline-lactated Ringer's solution is recommended for initial treatment until acid-base balance is restored.
• Subsequent maintenance crystalloid (0.9% NaCl) can be used in recovery.
• Dextrose-saline fluid resulted in worse acid-base balance restoration, with unexpected elevated glucose levels in turtles.

Glucose and Electrolyte Considerations

• Hyperglycemia is common in sea turtles, possibly related to stress or unknown origins.
• High glucose levels observed after dextrose-saline treatment, with low initial glucose levels also present.
• Glucose determination is essential in making fluid treatment decisions.
• Dextrose use is indicated in hypoglycemic patients and should be monitored closely, following up with maintenance fluid. Further study on hyperglycemia pathophysiology is encouraged.
• Following treatment, lower sodium, potassium, chloride concentrations were observed across treatment groups.

Osmolality and Electrolytes

• No significant change in osmolality was detected after fluid administration, but lower electrolyte concentrations emerged.
• This suggests the hypotonic nature of the used fluids.
• However, sea turtles demonstrate tolerance to a wide range of plasma osmolality.

Conclusion and Recommendations

• The study provided valuable information regarding crystalloid fluid therapy for stranded loggerhead sea turtles.
• Metabolic acidosis is common in stranded sea turtles.
• Treatment with mixed saline-lactated Ringer's solution is initially recommended, followed by electrolyte maintenance.

This quiz explores the effects of crystalloid fluid therapy on stranded sea turtles, focusing on acid-base and biochemical changes. Learn about the benefits of different isotonic and hypotonic fluids, their role in rehydration, and how they can improve outcomes in juvenile turtles suffering from metabolic acidosis.