Effects of aspirated and swallowed water in mongrel dogs subjected to fresh-water drowning.

ABSTRACT

The effects of aspiration or aspiration-cum-swallowing were studied in two groups of anesthetized dogs. Group I animals were subjected to aspiration (20 mlg/kg) whereas that of group II to aspiration (20 ml/kg) cum-swallowing (20 ml/kg) of fresh water. Aspiration produced decrease in plasma sodium and chloride whereas potassium, hemoglobin and haematocrit increased. These changes were transient and the values came back towards preaspiration level in the surviving animals. In animals subjected to aspiration-cum-swallowing, there was no initial increase in hemoglobin and hematocrit and both these values decreased significantly. The pattern of electrolyte changes was essentially similar to the aspiration group. All the animals in the two groups showed an immediate onset of significant asphyxia and acidosis that persisted throughout the period of observation. It is concluded that aspiration of 20 ml of fresh water per kg body weight produces only transient changes in hemoglobin, hematocrit and electrolyte balance, whereas the changes in arterial gas and pH are significant and persistent. It is further concluded that the swallowed water modifies the aspiration induced changes in fresh water drowning.