Continuous fluid infusion per rectum compared with intravenous fluid infusion in pigs.

Background: Peripheral blood vessels in pigs are not easily accessible, making placement of intravenous catheters difficult. Alternative methods to intravenous administration of fluids, such as administering fluids via the rectum (proctoclysis), are warranted in pigs.

Hypothesis: Administration of polyionic crystalloid fluids via proctoclysis results in hemodilution changes similar to intravenous administration.