Immediate and Delayed Disposal of Acacia Injected Intravenously in the Dog

Abstract

The intravenous injection of acacia is followed by a decrease in the concentration of the serum proteins including fibrinogen, a diminution in the total circulating protein, 1 2 3 4 5 and alterations in the colloidal osmotic pressure. 7 The acacia is stored largely in the liver. 2 6 These results have been attributed to an interference with the proteogenic function of the liver. 2

Our experience has shown that diets containing 50 cc of codliver oil, 150 cc tomato juice, 200 g of meat, and 200 g of prepared dog food are adequate 8 and maintain blood proteins at a high level over a period of a year's time.

When acacia solutions (12% acacia in 0.85% sodium chloride) approximating the plasma volume are injected, there is an immediate increase in blood volume (22 to 30%), a decrease in serum proteins (both albumin and globulin) and an increase in the acacia. The values for serum acacia plus protein equal the original value for serum protein. One and one-half hours after the injection the blood vessels of the viscera are engorged, ascitic fluid has accumulated and there is free bleeding from the incision. Of the injected acacia (125 g) the major part is in the muscles (54 g) and serum (48 g); lesser amounts in urine (9.0 g), ascitic fluid (7.18 g), liver (4.46 g) and kidneys (1.9 g). The large amount in the muscles is due to vascular dilatation, and the ascites to an “emergency weeping” into the peritoneal cavity.

When an animal is repeatedly injected (Table I) with allowance for recovery, there is a repetition of the phenomena occurring after a single injection. Immediately after an injection there is also an increase in colloidal osmotic pressure with a return of it to normal later. The fall in pressure is paralleled by an increase in serum proteins and a decrease in serum acacia.