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Changes in plasma composition in calves surviving or dying from diarrhoea
1Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, Royal Veterinary College (University of London), Hatfield, Herts.
The British Veterinary Journal
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Diarrhea in calves causes dehydration and metabolic acidosis. Survivors had low potassium, while fatal cases showed worsening acidosis and high potassium, indicating distinct electrolyte changes in fatal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Physiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Fluid therapy is crucial for treating calf diarrhea.
- Understanding plasma changes associated with fatal diarrhea outcomes is vital.
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common cause of calf diarrhea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define adverse plasma changes in calves with diarrhea, differentiating survivors from non-survivors.
- To investigate the specific biochemical alterations linked to fatal E. coli-induced diarrhea in young calves.
Main Methods:
- Experimental induction of diarrhea in week-old Jersey calves using E. coli.
- Comparative analysis of plasma parameters between surviving and non-surviving calves.
- Monitoring key indicators such as hydration, acid-base balance, and electrolyte levels.
Main Results:
- Diarrhea led to dehydration, metabolic acidosis, pre-renal azotemia, and hyponatremia in calves.
- Hypernatremia was uncommon and mild.
- Survivors typically exhibited hypokalemia, whereas non-survivors showed progressive metabolic acidosis and hyperkalemia.
- Hypoglycemia occurred but was not consistently more severe in non-survivors.
Conclusions:
- Distinct plasma electrolyte and acid-base profiles differentiate surviving calves from those succumbing to E. coli-induced diarrhea.
- Hyperkalemia and worsening metabolic acidosis are critical indicators of a fatal outcome in diarrheic calves.
- Early identification of these severe changes is essential for effective fluid therapy and improved prognosis.