Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Ten cows suffering from displacement of abomasum (DA) were treated with two different electrolytesolutions. The DA cows showed symptoms typical for the disease. Four out of 10 cows had a metabolic alkalosis and two a metabolic acidosis. The cows were mildly hypocalcemic, and 9 out of 10 were mildly to moderately hypokalemic. Six out of 10 cows showed muscle fasciculations. An aim of the study was to investigate the effects of an intravenous infusion of a hypertonic (7.2%) sodium chloride solution in a dose of 5 ml/kg bodyweight to cows with DA. Five healthy, non-pregnant, non-lactating cows served as controls. Furthermore the effect of 250 g respectively 125 g Seltin® +50 g MgO solved in 20 l lukewarm water given orally to 3 cows suffering from LDA whose abomasums first had been repostitioned by rolling the cow was also studied. All cows had access to water ad lib after fluid infusion. LDA cows given hypertonic saline IV had their fluid-, electrolyte- and acid-base-balance normalised within 4 hours. The condition was generally improved. However, one cow suffering from RDA showed a decrease in general condition about 2 h after the infusion, most probably because she could not absorb the fluid that was in her displaced abomasum. Fluid-, electrolyte and acid-base-balance was also normalised in the group who received the oral salt solution in a dosage of 125 g, although the effect was delayed. The administration of hypertonic saline can as yet only be recommended to be used in DA cows after reposition of the abomasum. NaCl in any solution should be included in the treatment of cows suffering from DA in order to get an improved general condition through the regulation of the fluid-, electrolyte- and acid-base-balance.