Cost effectiveness of use of a solution of 6% dextran 70 in young calves with severe diarrhea

To determine whether intravenous administration of 6% dextran 70 solution to young calves with severe diarrhea is cost effective.

Randomized, prospective, clinical trial.

22 calves < 2 months old that were hospitalized for diarrhea and that did not have pneumonia.

All calves received antibiotics, were fed by use of an orogastic tube, were supplied with radiant heat, and were given crystalloids, i.v., as deemed appropriate by an attending veterinarian. A group of 12 calves also received 500 ml of 6% dextran 70 solution, i.v., over a 1-hour period as part of the initial treatment. Data were collected to determine whether early treatment with 6% dextran 70 solution resulted in a similar end cost for treatment because of a decrease in the volume of fluids administered i.v., a decrease in antibiotic usage, a decrease in the amount of time hospitalized, or a decrease in mortality.

Capillary refill times, heart rates, respiratory rates, and rectal temperatures; and scores for dehydration, mucous membrane color, lung sounds, mental status, and suckling response were not different between the 2 groups of calves at admission. Differences were not detected in client charges or in hospitalized time (6% dextran 70 group, $89.68 +/- 11.05 and 36 +/- 3 hours; control group $88.02 +/- 4.93 and 36 +/- 4 hours), but those charges did not include costs for the 6% dextran 70 solution.

Use of 6% dextran 70 solution as part of the resuscitation of most young calves with diarrhea requiring hospitalization is not likely to be cost effective.