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Dehydration in calves

"last update: 28 April 2024"  

- Monitor improvement of the dehydrated calf during and after fluid therapy

During the intravenous administration, the animal must be monitored for clinical

and laboratory evidence of improvement or deleterious effects.

A favorable response is indicated by

1-urination within 30 to 60 minutes,

2-an improvement in mental attitude, and some evidence of hydration.

Unfavorable responses include

1-dyspnea because of preexisting pneumonia or pulmonary edema because of too rapid administration,

2- failure to urinate because of renal failure or paralysis of the bladder,

3- Tetany because of the excessive administration of alkali.

Unusual responses to fluid therapy

Sweating, trembling, and depression within several hours following the intravenous administration of electrolytes or other substances such as commercial amino acids may occur if the infusion is contaminated during administration.

The determination of PCV, bicarbonate, and blood pH will provide an excellent monitoring system during the administration of the fluids.