Effects of hypocalcaemia on abomasal motility.
Abomasal mechanical and myoelectric activity were measured in two adult Holstein cows. Hypocalcaemia was induced using a constant infusion of disodium EDTA and serum total and diffusible calcium concentrations were measured. Abomasal motility remained normal in the face of declining calcium concentrations until a threshold value was reached (1.2 +/- 0.2 mmol litre-1) below which all mechanical and electrical activity was absent. A similar threshold effect was observed when calcium concentrations were allowed to rise. These data do not support hypocalcaemia as being a clinically important cause of abomasal atony.
Madison
J B
JB
Department of Agricultural and Urban Practice, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg 24061.
Troutt
H F
HF
D000018:Abomasum / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004576:Electromyography / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility; D006996:Hypocalcemia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*