[Paroxysmal hemoglobinuria in calves and its effect on hematologic and acid-base profiles]

Water intoxication is considered to be one of the possible causes of haemoglobinuria in calves. As to predisposing factors, prognosis and particularly differential diagnosis, uncertainty is rather frequent. Therefore we tried to provoke this state in an experiment, in which the disiony-induced changes of the acid-base balance (pH, pCO2, HCO3, pO2, BE, SAT of venous blood) were determined in addition to clinical observations (general behaviour, respiratory and pulse rates, body temperatures) and blood analysis (red and white blood cells, PCV and haemoglobin). Experimental paroxysmal haemoglobinuria was induced in eight 2-months-old male calves of the Black Pied breed weighing 55-70 kg that were held on a green diet. After the animals had been given cold water (12-14 degrees C) at an amount of 12% of their body weight, increased volume of the abdominal cavity, muscle tremor, and a stooping posture could be seen, and in 45-60 min. following water administration the first spontaneous haemoglobinuria occurred. Except the first 20 minutes following water gavage, when pronounced tachycardia accompanied by arythmia (100-130 per min.) was recorded, a tendency towards hypothermy, mild bradycardia and bradypnoe was observed; correction of these values occurred within 24 hours. Haematological indices revealed a hydraemic trend that was most pronounced and long-lasting in haemoglobin. Twenty-four hours after water gavage haemoglobin, red blood cells and PCV values were still below their starting levels; the tendency toward leucopoenia changed into leucocytosis. The acid-base balance revealed a slight acidemic trend with decreasing pH, actual bicarbonate and BE levels in the first hour; later, equilibration and increase within the physiological range occurred.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)