Skip to main content
NCBI home page
Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research logoLink to Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research
. 1998 Jul;62(3):205–213.

A reliable, practical, and economical protocol for inducing diarrhea and severe dehydration in the neonatal calf.

P G Walker 1, P D Constable 1, D E Morin 1, J K Drackley 1, J H Foreman 1, J C Thurmon 1
PMCID: PMC1189477  PMID: 9684050

Abstract

Fifteen healthy, colostrum-fed, male dairy calves, aged 2 to 7 d were used in a study to develop a diarrhea protocol for neonatal calves that is reliable, practical, and economical. After instrumentation and recording baseline data, diarrhea and dehydration were induced by administering milk replacer [16.5 mL/kg of body weight (BW), PO], sucrose (2 g/kg in a 20% aqueous solution, p.o.), spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide (1 mg/kg, PO) every 8 h, and furosemide (2 mg/kg, i.m., q6h). Calves were administered sucrose and diuretic agents for 48 h to induce diarrhea and severe dehydration. Clinical changes after 48 h were severe watery diarrhea, severe depression, and marked dehydration (mean, 14% BW loss). Cardiac output, stroke volume, mean central venous pressure, plasma volume, thiocyanate space, blood pH and bicarbonate concentration, base excess, serum chloride concentration, and fetlock temperature were decreased. Plasma lactate concentration, hematocrit, and serum potassium, creatinine, phosphorus, total protein and albumin concentrations were increased. This non-infectious calf diarrhea protocol has a 100% response rate, while providing a consistent and predictable hypovolemic state with diarrhea that reflects most of the clinicopathologic changes observed in osmotic/maldigestive diarrhea caused by infection with rotavirus, coronavirus or cryptosporidia. Limitations of the protocol, when compared to infectious diarrhea models, include failure to induce a severe metabolic acidosis, absence of hyponatremia, renal instead of enteric loss of chloride, renal as well as enteric loss of free water, absence of profound clinical depression and suspected differences in the morphologic and functional effect on intestinal epithelium. Despite these differences, the sucrose/diuretic protocol should be useful in the initial screening of new treatment modalities for calf diarrhea. To confirm their efficacy, the most effective treatment methods should then be examined in calves with naturally-acquired diarrhea.

Full text

PDF
205

Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

  1. Booth A. J., Naylor J. M. Correction of metabolic acidosis in diarrheal calves by oral administration of electrolyte solutions with or without bicarbonate. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1987 Jul 1;191(1):62–68. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  2. Bywater R. J. Evaluation of an oral glucose-glycine-electrolyte formulation and amoxicillin for treatment of diarrhea in calves. Am J Vet Res. 1977 Dec;38(12):1983–1987. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  3. Bywater R. J., Logan E. F. The site and characteristics of intestinal water and electrolyte loss in Escherichia coli-induced diarrhoea in calves. J Comp Pathol. 1974 Oct;84(4):599–610. doi: 10.1016/0021-9975(74)90051-6. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  4. Chaudry I. H. Cellular mechanisms in shock and ischemia and their correction. Am J Physiol. 1983 Aug;245(2):R117–R134. doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.1983.245.2.R117. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  5. Constable P. D., Gohar H. M., Morin D. E., Thurmon J. C. Use of hypertonic saline-dextran solution to resuscitate hypovolemic calves with diarrhea. Am J Vet Res. 1996 Jan;57(1):97–104. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  6. Constable P. D., Schmall L. M., Muir W. W., 3rd, Hoffsis G. F., Shertel E. R. Hemodynamic response of endotoxemic calves to treatment with small-volume hypertonic saline solution. Am J Vet Res. 1991 Jul;52(7):981–989. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  7. Corke M. J. Economical preparation of fluids for intravenous use in cattle practice. Vet Rec. 1988 Mar 26;122(13):305–307. doi: 10.1136/vr.122.13.305. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  8. DALTON R. G., FISHER E. W., MCINTYRE W. I. CHANGES IN BLOOD CHEMISTRY, BODY WEIGHT AND HAEMOTOCRIT OF CALVES AFFECTED WITH NEONATAL DIARRHOEA. Br Vet J. 1965 Jan;121:34–42. doi: 10.1016/s0007-1935(17)41405-9. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  9. Dupe R. J., Goddard M. E., Bywater R. J. A comparison of two oral rehydration solutions in experimental models of dehydration and diarrhoea in calves. Vet Rec. 1989 Dec 16;125(25):620–624. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  10. Dupe R., Bywater R. J., Goddard M. A hypertonic infusion in the treatment of experimental shock in calves and clinical shock in dogs and cats. Vet Rec. 1993 Dec 11;133(24):585–590. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  11. FISHER E. W. DEATH IN NEONATAL CALF DIARRHOEA. Br Vet J. 1965 Mar;121:132–138. doi: 10.1016/s0007-1935(17)41304-2. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  12. Fayet J. C. Plasma and faecal osmolality, water kinetics and body fluid compartments in neonatal calves with diarrhoea. Br Vet J. 1971 Jan;127(1):37–44. doi: 10.1016/s0007-1935(17)37787-4. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  13. Fioramonti J., Buéno L. Effects of loperamide hydrochloride on experimental diarrhea and gastrointestinal myoelectrical activity in calves. Am J Vet Res. 1987 Mar;48(3):415–419. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  14. Groutides C. P., Michell A. R. Changes in plasma composition in calves surviving or dying from diarrhoea. Br Vet J. 1990 May-Jun;146(3):205–210. doi: 10.1016/s0007-1935(11)80003-5. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  15. Gründer H. D., Brüning G. Untersuchungen über die Wirkung neuerer Diuretika beim Rind. I. Die Wirkung von Furosemid (Lasix-Hoechst) Berl Munch Tierarztl Wochenschr. 1966 Mar 1;79(5):81–83. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  16. Harp J. A., Woodmansee D. B., Moon H. W. Effects of colostral antibody on susceptibility of calves to Cryptosporidium parvum infection. Am J Vet Res. 1989 Dec;50(12):2117–2119. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  17. Heath S. E., Naylor J. M., Guedo B. L., Petrie L., Rousseaux C. G., Radostits O. M. The effects of feeding milk to diarrheic calves supplemented with oral electrolytes. Can J Vet Res. 1989 Oct;53(4):477–485. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  18. Huffman E. M., Clark C. H., Olson J. D., Ball L. Serum chloramphenicol concentrations in preruminant calves: a comparison of two formulations dosed orally. J Vet Pharmacol Ther. 1981 Sep;4(3):225–231. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2885.1981.tb00734.x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  19. Jones R., Phillips R. W., Cleek J. L. Hyperosmotic oral replacement fluid for diarrheic calves. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1984 Jun 15;184(12):1501–1505. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  20. Kameda H., Abei T., Nasrallah S., Iber F. L. Functional and histological injury to intestinal mucosa produced by hypertonicity. Am J Physiol. 1968 May;214(5):1090–1095. doi: 10.1152/ajplegacy.1968.214.5.1090. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  21. Lewis L. D., Phillips R. W., Elliott C. D. Changes in plasma glucose and lactate concentrations and enzyme activities in the neonatal calf with diarrhea. Am J Vet Res. 1975 Apr;36(4 PT1):413–416. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  22. Lewis L. D., Phillips R. W. Pathophysiologic changes due to coronavirus-induced diarrhea in the calf. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1978 Sep 1;173(5 Pt 2):636–642. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  23. Lewis L. D., Phillips R. W. Water and electrolyte losses in neonatal calves with acute diarrhea. A complete balance study. Cornell Vet. 1972 Oct;62(4):596–607. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  24. Logan E. F., Pearson G. R., McNulty M. S. Studies on the immunity of the calf to colibacillosis--VII: the experimental reproduction of enteric colibacillosis in colostrum-fed calves. Vet Rec. 1977 Nov 26;101(22):443–446. doi: 10.1136/vr.101.22.443. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  25. Logan E. F., Penhale W. J. Studies on the immunity of the calf to colibacillosis. V. The experimental reproduction of enteric colibacillosis. Vet Rec. 1972 Oct 28;91(18):419–423. doi: 10.1136/vr.91.18.419. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  26. MORRILL J. L., JACOBSON N. L., MCGILLIARD A. D., HOTCHKISS D. K. USE OF A RE-ENTRANT ILEAL FISTULA TO STUDY CARBOHYDRATE UTILIZATION BY THE YOUNG BOVINE. J Nutr. 1965 Apr;85:429–437. doi: 10.1093/jn/85.4.429. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  27. Mero K. N., Rollin R. E., Phillips R. W. Malabsorption due to selected oral antibiotics. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract. 1985 Nov;1(3):581–588. doi: 10.1016/s0749-0720(15)31304-9. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  28. Nappert G., Hamilton D., Petrie L., Naylor J. M. Determination of lactose and xylose malabsorption in preruminant diarrheic calves. Can J Vet Res. 1993 Jul;57(3):152–158. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  29. Naylor J. M. A retrospective study of the relationship between clinical signs and severity of acidosis in diarrheic calves. Can Vet J. 1989 Jul;30(7):577–580. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  30. Naylor J. M., Kronfeld D. S. Refractometry as a measure of the immunoglobulin status of the newborn dairy calf: comparison with the zinc sulfate turbidity test and single radial immunodiffusion. Am J Vet Res. 1977 Sep;38(9):1331–1334. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  31. Naylor J. M., Petrie L., Rodriguez M. I., Skilnick P. A comparison of three oral electrolyte solutions in the treatment of diarrheic calves. Can Vet J. 1990 Nov;31(11):753–760. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  32. Naylor J. M. Severity and nature of acidosis in diarrheic calves over and under one week of age. Can Vet J. 1987 Apr;28(4):168–173. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  33. Phillips R. W., Case G. L. Altered metabolism, acute shock, and therapeutic response in a calf with severe coronavirus-induced diarrhea. Am J Vet Res. 1980 Jul;41(7):1039–1044. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  34. Rasková H., Sechser T., Vanecek J., Polák L., Treu M., Muzík J., Sklenár V., Rabas P., Raska K., Matejovská D. Neonatal Escherichia coli infections in calves. I. Appraisal of rehydration. Zentralbl Veterinarmed B. 1976 Mar;23(2):131–142. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0450.1976.tb00668.x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  35. Roussel A. J., Jr, Sriranganathan N., Brown S. A., Sweatt D. Effect of flunixin meglumine on Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin-induced diarrhea in calves. Am J Vet Res. 1988 Aug;49(8):1431–1433. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  36. SELDINGER S. I. Catheter replacement of the needle in percutaneous arteriography; a new technique. Acta radiol. 1953 May;39(5):368–376. doi: 10.3109/00016925309136722. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  37. Saif L. J., Redman D. R., Moorhead P. D., Theil K. W. Experimentally induced coronavirus infections in calves: viral replication in the respiratory and intestinal tracts. Am J Vet Res. 1986 Jul;47(7):1426–1432. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  38. Tennant B., Harrold D., Reina-Guerra M. Hypoglycemia in neonatal calves associated with acute diarrhea. Cornell Vet. 1968 Jan;58(1):136–146. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  39. Tennant B., Harrold D., Reina-Guerra M. Physiologic and metabolic factors in the pathogenesis of neonatal enteric infections in calves. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1972 Nov 1;161(9):993–1007. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  40. Toofanian F., Kidder D. E., Hill F. W. The postnatal development of intestinal disaccharidases in the calf. Res Vet Sci. 1974 May;16(3):382–392. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  41. Toofanian F. Small intestinal infusion studies in the calf. Br Vet J. 1976 Mar-Apr;132(2):215–220. doi: 10.1016/s0007-1935(17)34746-2. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  42. Tzipori S., Smith M., Halpin C., Angus K. W., Sherwood D., Campbell I. Experimental cryptosporidiosis in calves: clinical manifestations and pathological findings. Vet Rec. 1983 Feb 5;112(6):116–120. doi: 10.1136/vr.112.6.116. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  43. Vestweber J. G., Al-Ani F. K., Johnson D. E. Udder edema in cattle: effect of furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, acetazolamide, or 50% dextrose on venous blood pressure. Am J Vet Res. 1987 Apr;48(4):673–675. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  44. Wagstaff A. J., Maclean I., Michell A. R., Holmes P. H. Plasma and extracellular volume in calves: comparison between isotopic and 'cold' techniques. Res Vet Sci. 1992 Sep;53(2):271–273. doi: 10.1016/0034-5288(92)90126-m. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  45. Whitten E. H., Phillips R. W. In vitro intestinal exchanges of Na+, K+, C1-3H2O in experimental bovine neonatal enteritis. Am J Dig Dis. 1971 Oct;16(10):891–902. doi: 10.1007/BF02238170. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  46. Wollam G. L., Tarazi R. C., Bravo E. L., Dustan H. P. Diuretic potency of combined hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide therapy in patients with azotemia. Am J Med. 1982 Jun;72(6):929–938. doi: 10.1016/0002-9343(82)90854-3. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  47. Youanes Y. D., Herdt T. H. Changes in small intestinal morphology and flora associated with decreased energy digestibility in calves with naturally occurring diarrhea. Am J Vet Res. 1987 Apr;48(4):719–725. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Articles from Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research are provided here courtesy of Canadian Veterinary Medical Association

RESOURCES