Veterinary Student University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI, United States
Abstract:
Background: Rehydration in clinically ill cats typically requires intravenous or subcutaneous fluids, adding cost and stress for clients and patients. Purina Hydra Care™ is a palatable oral hydration supplement that increases water consumption in healthy cats. We hypothesize that it improves hydration in clinically ill cats.
Objectives: The study aims were to determine whether Hydra Care™ improves hydration measures in clinically ill cats, invokes a minimum fluid intake of 30ml/kg/day and improves quality of life (QoL) assessments. Animals: 13 clinically ill cats eligible for outpatient management were enrolled.
Methods: Prospective single arm clinical trial. Cats were offered Hydra Care™ per the label. The amount of Hydra Care™ and water consumed was measured. Serum osmolality, BUN, albumin, PCV/TP, USG and clinical assessment were performed at baseline and 48hr alongside an owner QoL assessment.
Results: All cats exceeded the minimum fluid intake to enhance hydration (>30ml/kg/day) although there were no significant improvements in biochemical measures of hydration. Cats drank a median of 39ml/kg/day of Hydra Care ™ which was significantly greater than water (P= 0.007). All cats appeared better hydrated (P=0.004) with improved QoL scores (P= 0.001).
Conclusions: Hydra Care ™ was preferred over water in clinically ill cats. Hydra Care ™ intake was comparable to the volume of SC fluids typically administered to marginally hydrated cats. While laboratory hydration measures did not significantly change over 48hr, clinical hydration and QoL scores improved. This highlights the utility of HydraCare™ as an alternative to subcutaneous fluids in clinically ill cats.
