Long-Term Tolerance Study of Two Fat Emulsions for Intravenous Nutrition in Dogs

Abstract

The present study was designed to compare the tolerance of dogs to two commercially available fat emulsions for intravenous use, i.e., a soybean phosphatides-cottonseed oil emulsion and an egg phosphatides-soybean oil emulsion. Sixteen dogs were divided into two groups of eight each. In both groups, four were given 6 gm. of fat per kg. per day and the other four 9 gm. of fat kg. per day. These doses represent two-thirds of the caloric requirement and the total caloric requirement, respectively. The emulsions were infused daily for four weeks on a seven day per week scheme. Observations were made with regard to survival, general condition, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, plasma triglyceride and phospholipid levels, and histopathologic changes. With a dose of 6 gm. per kg. one of the four dogs receiving the cottonseed oil emulsion died, and another became extremely ill. With a dose of 9 gm. per kg. all four dogs died after five to six daily infusions. Vomiting, diarrhea and bloody stools were observed. Progressive anemia appeared in all dogs. In most cases, the serum triglyceride level was elevated and the serum phospholipids slightly reduced. Fatty degeneration and necrosis of the liver were observed in all lethal cases. All dogs receiving soybean oil emulsion survived. Neither diarrhea nor bleeding occurred. Moderate anemia developed, but the general condition was excellent. The plasma triglyceride levels were elevated only in one dog receiving 9 gm. of fat per kg. per day. The plasma phospholipid level was markedly elevated in all dogs. Signs of gross liver damage were not observed at autopsy. Much less intravenous fat pigment was observed in the liver, spleen and bone marrow of the dogs receiving soybean oil emulsion.