Comparison of the Effectiveness of Warmed Versus Room Temperature Intravenous Fluids Administration to Prevent Intraoperative Heat Loss in Anaesthetised Calves Undergoing Umbilical Herniorrhaphy.

Abstract

Background: Warmed intravenous (IV) fluids administration to prevent hypothermia provide controversial results in humans, cats and dogs, but its effect on calves is unknown.

Objectivxe: To evaluate the effectiveness of warmed IV fluids administered to prevent intraoperative heat loss in anaesthetised calves undergoing umbilical herniorrhaphy.

Methods: Thirty Simmental breed calves (aged 10-30 days) were randomly divided between two equal groups, wherein the infusion fluid (Ringer's lactate, 5 mL/kg/h) was administered either at room temperature (Group RoT) or warmed (Group WF). Pulse rate (PR), respiratory rate (f_R), peripheral haemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and rectal temperature (RT) were recorded immediately after the onset of anaesthesia induction (T₀) at T₅, T₁₀, T₁₅, T₃₀, T₄₅ and T₆₀. Duration of anaesthesia, surgery time and recovery scores were also noted.

Results: The PR, RT and f_R values showed no significant difference between groups over time (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in duration of anaesthesia, surgery time or recovery score between groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: The findings of the current study suggest that warmed IV fluid as the warming method did not prevent intraoperative hypothermia in calves. A constant-rate infusion of warmed fluid (5 mL/kg/h) is insufficient to prevent intraoperative hypothermia in calves.