Serum electrolyte and hematocrit changes in young rabbits following hemorrhage

Abstract

Normal serum sodium, potassium, magnesium and the hematocrit were determined in 1-day-, 5-day- and 2-month-old white New Zealand rabbits. A significant increase in sodium and magnesium was observed in the 2-month-old rabbits; the potassium level was the same in all three groups. The hematocrit in the 1-day-old series was significantly higher than that observed in the older groups. Serum sodium, potassium, magnesium and the hematocrit also were determined in 2-month-old rabbits subjected to a 10, 20 and 30% hemorrhage. Analyses were made 8, 24, 48, 96 hours and 1 and 2 weeks subsequent to hemorrhage. Moderate to severe hemorrhage in these young rabbits produced a decrease in sodium and an increase in potassium which, in adult animals, is reportedly due to hemodilution by intracellular fluid. A 10% blood loss had no effect upon serum magnesium whereas a more severe hemorrhage resulted in a significant magnesium decrease. Several theories are suggested for this magnesium loss, which apparently has not been observed in adult animals. The decrease in hematocrit may be related to the severity of hemorrhage and it is suggested that no red cell reserve exists in young rabbits.