It is the decrease in the fluid part of the blood due to loss of water and electrolytes either due to increased excretion or decreased water and feed intake. Dehydration is one of the most critical issues in calf farm is to assess dehydration and its therapy by different fluids.

Causes of dehydration

• Inadequate water intake

Deprivation of water, a lack of thirst caused by toxemia, and the inability to drink water

as in oesophageal obstruction are examples of dehydration from inadequate water intake.

• Excessive fluid loss

The most common cause of dehydration is when excessive fluid is lost.

Diarrhea is the most common reason for excessive fluid loss, although vomiting, polyuria, and loss of fluid from extensive skin wounds or by copious sweating may be important in sporadic cases.

Severe dehydration also occurs in acute carbohydrate engorgement in ruminants, acute intestinal obstruction and diffuse peritonitis in all species, and in dilatation and volvulus of the abomasum.