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D-lactic acidosis in neonatal ruminants
Ingrid Lorenz1, Arcangelo Gentile2
1UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
Summary
Neonatal calf diarrhea can cause D-lactic acidosis, previously overlooked due to a focus on L-lactate. New stereospecific assays now allow for D-lactate measurement in neonatal ruminants.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Biochemistry
- Neonatal Animal Health
Background:
- Metabolic acidosis in calves with neonatal diarrhea is often attributed to bicarbonate loss or L-lactate formation.
- Routine diagnostics historically focused solely on L-lactate, overlooking D-lactate's potential role.
- D-lactate was largely disregarded in human and veterinary medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on D-lactic acidosis in neonatal ruminants.
- To highlight the significance of D-lactate in neonatal calf metabolic acidosis.
- To discuss the impact of new stereospecific D-lactate assays.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on neonatal ruminant metabolic acidosis.
- Analysis of information regarding D-lactate metabolism and detection.
- Synthesis of data on D-lactic acidosis in calves.
Main Results:
- D-lactic acidosis is a potential, underdiagnosed condition in neonatal ruminants with diarrhea.
- Stereospecific assays have enabled the accurate measurement of D-lactate.
- Tissue hypoperfusion and dehydration in diarrheic calves can contribute to D-lactate accumulation.
Conclusions:
- D-lactic acidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of metabolic acidosis in neonatal calves.
- Further research is warranted to fully understand the prevalence and impact of D-lactic acidosis.
- Improved diagnostic capabilities facilitate better management of neonatal calf metabolic disorders.
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