Skip to main content
NCBI home page
Elsevier - PMC COVID-19 Collection logoLink to Elsevier - PMC COVID-19 Collection
. 2016 Feb 15;6(1):77–101. doi: 10.1016/S0749-0720(15)30896-3

Intravenous Fluid Therapy in Calves

Robert RM Tremblay *,1
PMCID: PMC7135507  PMID: 2178742

Abstract

Effective intravenous fluid therapy requires determination of the volume required and the composition of the appropriate parenteral solution. Specific abnormalities in major electrolytes, acid-base balance, and energy balance should be considered in fluid selection. Parenteral solutions should be delivered in a sterile manner, with attention to potential complications.

REFERENCES

  • 1.Avery T.B., Nagaraja T.G., Frey R.A. Blood, urine, and ruminal fluid changes associated with metabolic alkalosis induced by duodenal obstruction. Am J Vet Res. 1986;47:890–896. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 2.Baker J.C., Lippert A.C. Total parenteral nutrition in the calf. Comp Contin Educ Pract Vet. 1987;9:71–78. [Google Scholar]
  • 3.Bayly W.M., Vale B.H. Intravenous catheterization and associated problems in the horse. Comp Contin Educ Pract Vet. 1982;4:227–237. [Google Scholar]
  • 4.Blood D.C., Radastits O.M. ed 7. Bailliere Tindall; London: 1989. Veterinary Medicine; pp. 58–76. [Google Scholar]
  • 5.Brobst D. Review of the pathophysiology of alterations in potassium homeostasis. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1986;188:1019–1025. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 6.Buxton A.E., Highsmith A.K., Garner J.S. Contamination of intravenous infusion fluid: Effects of changing administration sets. Ann Intern Med. 1979;90:764–768. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-90-5-764. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 7.Bywater R.J. Diarrhoea treatments-fluid replacement and alternatives. Ann Rech Vet. 1983;14:556–560. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 8.Case G.L., Phillips R.W., Cleek J.L. Lactic acid and glucose metabolism in healthy, lactic acid-infused. and diarrheic calves. Am J Vet Res. 1980;41:1035–1038. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 9.Collin J., Collin C., Constable F.L. Infusion thrombophlebitis and infection with various cannulas. Lancet. 1975:150–153. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(75)90057-4. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 10.Cooper G.L., Hopkins C.C. Rapid diagnosis of intravascular catheter-associated infection by direct gram staining of catheter segments. N Engl J Med. 1985;312:1142–1147. doi: 10.1056/NEJM198505023121802. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 11.Corke M.J. Economical preparation of fluids for intravenous use in cattle practice. Vet Rec. 1988;122:305–307. doi: 10.1136/vr.122.13.305. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 12.Dass L.L., Khan A.A., Sahay P.N. Clinico-biochemical changes in abomasal torsion in buffalo calves-an experimental study. Indian Vet J. 1981;58:118–123. [Google Scholar]
  • 13.Deem D.A. Complications associated with the use of intravenous catheters in large animals. Calif Vet. 1981;35:19–24. [Google Scholar]
  • 14.Dinley R.J. Venous reactions related to in-dwelling plastic cannulae. A prospective clinical trial. Curr Med Res Opin. 1976;3:607. [Google Scholar]
  • 15.Fayet J.C., Overwater J. Prognosis of diarrhoea in the newborn calf. Statistical analysis of blood biochemical data. Ann Rech Vet. 1978;9:55–61. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 16.Fettman M.J. Hypertonic crystalloid solutions for treating hemorrhagic shock. Comp Contin Educ Pract Vet. 1985;7:915–920. [Google Scholar]
  • 17.Frazee L.S. Torsion of the abomasum in a I-month-old calf. Can Vet J. 1984;25:293–295. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 18.Groutides C., Michell A.R. A method for assessment of acid-base disturbances. Clin Insight. 1988;3:209–210. [Google Scholar]
  • 19.Guard C.L., Tennant B.C. Rehydration of neonatal calves with experimental colibacillosis: Oral vs. intravenous fluids. Proceedings of the 14th World Congress on Diseases of Cattle, 1986:356–361. [Google Scholar]
  • 20.Guzman-Speziale C., Baird J.D., Lumsden J.H. Prognostic indicators in neonatal calf diarrhea. Proceedings of the 14th World Congress on Diseases of Cattle. 1986:61–66. [Google Scholar]
  • 21.Hammond P.B., Dziuk H.E., Usenik E.A. Experimental intestinal obstruction in calves. J Comp Pathol. 1964;74:210–222. doi: 10.1016/s0368-1742(64)80027-8. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 22.Haskins S.C. A simple fluid therapy planning guide. Semin Vet Med Surg (Small Anim) INTRAVENOUS FLUID THERAPY IN CALVES 99. 1988;3:227–236. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 23.Haupt M.T. The use of crystalloidal and colloidal solutions for volume replacement in hypovolemic shock. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci. 1989;27:1–26. doi: 10.3109/10408368909106588. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 24.Hecker J.F. Thrombogenicity of tips of umbilical catheters. Pediatrics. 1981;67:467–471. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 25.Hecker J.F., Edwards R.O. Effects of roughness on the thrombogenicity of a plastic. J Biomed Mater Res. 1981;15:1–7. doi: 10.1002/jbm.820150104. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 26.Hecker J.F., Scandrett L.A. Roughness and thrombogenicity of the outer surfaces of intravascular catheters. J Biomed Mater Res. 1985;19:381–395. doi: 10.1002/jbm.820190404. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 27.Hershey C.O., Tomford J.W., McLaren C.E. The natural history of intravenous catheter-associated phlebitis. Arch Intern Med. 1984;144:1373–1375. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 28.Jennings P.B. Monitoring: The measurement of clinically useful parameters in the veterinary critical care patient. In: Zaslow I.M., Cawley A.J., editors. Vol. 24. Lea & Febiger; Philadelphia: 1984. p. 7. (Veterinary Trauma and Critical Care). [Google Scholar]
  • 29.Kasari T.R., Naylor J.M. Metabolic acidosis without clinical signs of dehydration in young calves. Can Vet J. 1984;25:394–399. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 30.Kasari T.R., Naylor J.M. Clinical evaluation of sodium bicarbonate, sodium L-Iactate,and sodium acetate for the treatment of acidosis in diarrheic calves. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1985;187:392–397. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 31.Kasari T.R., Naylor J.M. Further studies on the clinical features and clinico-pathological findings of a syndrome of metabolic acidosis with minimal dehydration in neonatal calves. Can J Vet Res. 1986;50:502–508. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 32.Kemp D.T. A comprehensive guide to intravenous fluid therapy in horses. Vet Med. 1988;83:193–212. [Google Scholar]
  • 33.Kestin I.G. Flow through intravenous cannulae. Anaesthesia. 1987;42:67–70. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2044.1987.tb02947.x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 34.Lewis G.B., Hecker F.J. Infusion thrombophlebitis. Br J Anaesth. 1985;57:220–233. doi: 10.1093/bja/57.2.220. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 35.Lewis L.D., Phillips R.W. Water and electrolyte losses in neonatal calves with acute diarrhea. A complete balance study. Cornell Vet. 1972;62:596–607. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 36.Lewis L.D., Phillips R.W. Diarrhea-induced changes in intracellular and extracellular,ion concentrations in neonatal calves. Ann Rech Vet. 1973;4:99–111. [Google Scholar]
  • 37.Lewis L.D., Phillips R.W. Treatment of the calf with diarrhea. Vet Clin North Am [Large Anim Pract) 1979;1:395–409. doi: 10.1016/S0196-9846(17)30191-X. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 38.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;36:413–416. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 39.Linares J., Sitges-Serra A., Garau J. Pathogenesis of catheter sepsis: A prospective study with quantitative and semiquantitative cultures of catheter hub and segments. J Clin Micro. 1985;21:357–360. doi: 10.1128/jcm.21.3.357-360.1985. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 40.Maki D.G., Goldman D.A., Rhame F.S. Infection control in intravenous therapy. Ann Intern Med. 1973;79:867–887. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-79-6-867. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 41.Maki D.G., Ringer M. Evaluation of dressing regimens for prevention of infection with peripheral intravenous catheters. JAMA. 1987;258:2396–2403. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 42.Maki D.G., Weise C.E., Sarafin H.W. A semiquantitative culture method for identifying intravenous catheter-related infection. N Engl J Med. 1977;296:1305–1309. doi: 10.1056/NEJM197706092962301. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 43.McSherry B.J., Grinyer I. Disturbances in acid-base balance and electrolyte in calf diarrhea and their treatment: A report of 18 cases. Am J Vet Res. 1954;15:535–541. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 44.Michell A.R. Body fluids and diarrhea: Dynamics of dysfunction. Vet Rec. 1974;94:311–315. doi: 10.1136/vr.94.14.311. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 45.Michell A.R. Understanding fluid therapy. Irish Vet J. 1983;37:94–103. [Google Scholar]
  • 46.Michell A.R. Fluid therapy for alimentary disease: Origins and objectives. Ann Rech Vet. 1983;14:527–532. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 47.Michell A.R. Drips, drinks and drenches: What matters in fluid therapy. Irish Vet J. 1988;42:17–22. [Google Scholar]
  • 48.Muir W.W. Acid-base and electrolyte disturbances in dogs with gastric dilationvolvulus. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1982;181:229–231. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 49.Naylor J.M. Severity and nature of acidosis in diarrheic calves over and under one week of age. Can Vet J. 1987;28:168–173. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 50.Naylor J.M. Evaluation of the total carbon dioxide apparatus and pH meter for the determination of acid-base status in diarrheic and healthy calves. Can Vet J 100 ROBERT R. M. TREMBLAY. 1987;28:45–48. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 51.Naylor J.M., Forsyth G.W. The alkalinizing effects of metabolizable bases in the healthy calf. Can J Vet Res. 1986;50:509–516. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 52.Nelson D.B., Garland J.S. The natural history of teflon catheter-associated phlebitis in children. Am J Dis Children. 1987;141:1090–1092. doi: 10.1001/archpedi.1987.04460100068028. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 53.Ogilvie T.H. Metabolic acidosis without clinical signs of dehydration in young calves. Can Vet J. 1985;26:175. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 54.Peters W.R., Bush W.H., Mcintyre R.D. The development of fibrin sheath on indwelling venous catheters. Surg Gynec Obstet. 1973;137:43–47. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 55.Phillips R.W. Fluid therapy for diarrheic calves. Vet Clin North Am [Food Anim Pract] 1985;1:541–562. doi: 10.1016/S0749-0720(15)31302-5. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 56.Phillips R.W., Case G.L. Altered metabolism, acute shock and therapeutic response in a calf with severe corona virus-induced diarrhea. Am J Vet Res. 1980;41:1039–1044. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 57.Phillips R.W., Lewis L.D. Intravenous high potassium therapy for diarrheic calves. Proceedings of the 11th World Congress on Diseases of Cattle: 1981:1529–1536. [Google Scholar]
  • 58.Phillips R.W., Lewis L.D., Knox K.L. Alterations in body water turnover and distribution in neonatal calves with acute diarrhea. Ann NY Acad Sci. 1971;176:231–243. [Google Scholar]
  • 59.Pringle J.K., Berthiaume L.M.M. Hypernatremia in calves. J Vet Intern Med. 1988;2:66–70. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.1988.tb02795.x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 60.Raffe M.R. Fluid therapy, electrolyte and acid-base balance, and blood replacement.In Short CE (ed) Veterinary Anesthesia. Baltimore, Williams & Wilkins, 1987:478–516. [Google Scholar]
  • 61.Reece W.O. Acid-base balance and selected hematologic, electrolyte and blood chemical variables in calves. Milk-fed vs conventionally fed. Am J Vet Res: 1980;41:109–113. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 62.Reece W.O. Acid-base balance and selected hematologic, electrolytic and blood chemical variables in calves nursing cows: One week through 15 weeks. Am J Vet Res. 1984;45:666–669. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 63.Roussel A.J. Principles and mechanics of fluid therapy in calves. Comp Contin Educ Pract Vet. 1983;5:332–339. [Google Scholar]
  • 64.Sawyer P.N., Ramsey W., Stanczewski B. A comparative study of several polymers for use as intravenous catheters. Med Instrument. 1977;11:221–230. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 65.Seth N.K., Franson T.R., Rose H.D. Colonization of bacteria on polyvinylchloride and Teflon intravascular catheters in hospitalized patients. J Clin Micro. 1983;18:1061–1063. doi: 10.1128/jcm.18.5.1061-1063.1983. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 66.Sherman D.M., Hoffsis G.F., Gingerich D.A. A technique for long-term fluid administration in the calf. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1976;169:1310–1312. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 67.Simpson D.F., Erb H.N., Smith D.F. Base excess as a prognostic and diagnostic indicator in cows with abomasal volvulus or right displacement of the abomasum. Am J Vet Res. 1985;46:796–797. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 68.Solomon D.D., Arnold W.L., Martin N.D. An in vivo method for the evaluation of catheter thrombogenicity. J Biomed Mater Res. 1987;21:43–57. doi: 10.1002/jbm.820210109. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 69.Spencer K.A. Intravenous catheters. Vet Clin North Am [Small Anim Pract] 1982;12:533–543. doi: 10.1016/s0195-5616(82)50060-5. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 70.Spurlock S.L., Spurlock G.H. Considerations in catheter selection and maintenance in large animal species. In: Rossdale P.D., editor. The Application of Intensive Care Therapies and Parenteral Nutrition in Large Animal Medicine. Travenol Laboratories Inc; Deerfield, IL: 1986. pp. 31–35. [Google Scholar]
  • 71.Stillman R.M., Soliman F., Garcia L. Etiology of catheter-associated sepsis. Arch Surg. 1977;112:1497–1499. doi: 10.1001/archsurg.1977.01370120087011. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 72.Tennant B., Harrold D., Riena-Guerra M. Hypoglycemia in neonatal calves associated with acute diarrhea. Cornell Vet. 1968;58:136–146. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 73.Tennant B., Harrold D., Riena-Guerra M. Physiologic and metabolic factors in the pathogenesis of neonatal enteric infections in calves. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1972;161:993–1007. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 74.Tomford J.W., Hershey C.O., McLaren C.E. Intravenous therapy team and peripheralvenous catheter-associated complications. Arch Intern Med. 1984;144:1191–1194. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 75.Tully J.L., Friedland G.H., Baldini L.M. Complications of intravenous therapy with steel needles and teflon catheters. Am J Med INTRAVENOUS FLUID THERAPY IN CALVES 101. 1981;70:702–706. doi: 10.1016/0002-9343(81)90600-8. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 76.Watt J.G. Fluid therapy for dehydration in calves. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1967;150:742–750. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 77.Willoughby R.A., Butler D.G. An apparatus for the continuous administration of fluids and electrolytes in large animals. Can Vet J. 1967;8:70–73. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 78.Wingfield W.E., Twedt D.C., Moore R.W. Acid-base and electrolyte values in dogs with acute gastric dilation-volvulus. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1982;180:1070–1072. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Articles from The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Food Animal Practice are provided here courtesy of Elsevier

RESOURCES