[Metabolic acidosis in calves with diarrhea and treatment with NaHCO3]

Sixteen head of 7 to 10 days old calves of the Black-Pied breed with clinical diagnosis of gastroenteritis acuta were examined for their clinical and laboratory findings before i. v. application of 8.4% solution of NaHCO3 and after it, using the well-known formula: live weight in kg x 0.6 x base deficit. The calves presented clinical symptoms of severe dehydration with profuse diarrhea. Dominant symptoms of the calf dehydration syndrome involved enophthalmos, lying down, lowered surface body temperature and strong exsiccosis of the organism. The values of pH, PCO2, HCO3, ABE, SBC were determined as acid-base indicators in venous blood. The most important adjustment of acid-base indicators was observed in pH, ABE and SB; their increases were statistically significant within the 3rd and/or 24th hour after intravenous application of 8.4% NaHCO3 solution at a significance level of p < 0.05 and/or p < 0.01. Buffering capacity of NaHCO3 was relatively strongly reflected in all indicators under observation when they were determined as reference values in 24 hours after application. The adjustment of acid-base indicators was accompanied by general improvement of calf health while the sucking reflex was resumed, which provided the conditions for accelerated replacement of fluids and electrolytes by i. v. as well as p. o. application forms.