Sodium and Water Deficiency

Deficiency of Both Sodium and Water

• Known as "salt depletion".
• The effects of the sodium (and therefore chloride) loss predominate.
  • There is clinically detectable dehydration.

Causes

• Gastro-intestinal disorders.
  • Vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Gut crises.
  • Intestinal obstruction.
  • Torsions.
  • Ruminal/ abomasal impaction.
• Excessive and prolonged sweating.
  • Heat exhaustion.
• Renal disease.
  • Nephritis.
  • May also be associated with diabetes mellitus toxicity.
• Severe haemorrhage or burns.
  • Result in severe plasma losses.

Effects

• Loss of sodium and chloride reduces the osmolality of extracellular fluid.
  • There is a simultaneous loss of water.
• Water is transferred from the ECF to cells.
  • Cells over-hydrate and may rupture.
• ECF volume falls.
  • Resultis in haemoconcentration and peripheral circulatory failure.
• Renal involvement may become significant.