Amino Acid Solutions

Amino acid solutions: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

Amino acid solutions encourage protein anabolism, halt muscle and protein loss, and preserve intermediary metabolism.

Uses of Amino acid solutions

• Amino acid solutions are administered parenterally to patients who need nutritional assistance. Still, they cannot get enteral treatment to provide both essential and non-essential amino acids for protein synthesis.
• Dogs with superficial necrolytic dermatitis have also been treated with amino acid infusions.

Dose of Amino acid solutions in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:
• Add to i.v. fluid therapy: up to 10 ml/kg.
• Parenteral nutritional support: 4–6 g protein/100 kcal (418 kJ) energy requirements.
• Superficial necrolytic dermatitis: 3 ml/kg/h i.v. over 24 hours.

Cats:
• Aid to i.v. fluid therapy: up to 10 ml/kg.
• Parenteral nutritional support: 6–8 g protein/100 kcal (418 kJ) energy requirements.

Side Effects of Amino acid solutions in Dogs and Cats

• Hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidemia, hypercapnia, acid-base disturbances, and electrolyte disturbances
• Catheter-associated thrombophlebitis, bacterial colonization of the catheter, and resulting bacteremia and septicemia.

Contraindications of Amino acid solutions in Dogs and Cats

Dehydration, hepatic encephalopathy, severe azotemia, shock, congestive heart failure, and electrolyte imbalances.

Some Notes:

(Duphalyte) contains insufficient amino acids to meet basal requirements for protein
production and is intended as an aid for i.v. fluid support.