Effect of an orally administered antacid agent containing aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide on abomasal luminal pH in clinically normal milk-fed calves.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of a commercially available orally administered antacid agent containing aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide on abomasal luminal pH in clinically normal milk-fed calves.


METHODS
Randomized trial.


METHODS
5 male dairy calves.


METHODS
Throughout the study, calves were fed milk replacer at 7:30 AM and 7:30 PM. Cannulae for pH electrodes were placed in the abomasal body and pyloric antrum. Treatments consisted of oral administration of a high (50 ml) or low (25 ml) dose of the antacid agent and oral administration of milk replacer alone (control). Antacid was given at 7:30 AM, 3:30 PM, and 11:30 PM, and luminal pH was monitored continuously for 24 hours, beginning 15 minutes before administration of the first dose of antacid.


RESULTS
Administration of the first dose of antacid at the time of the morning feeding resulted in an increase in mean abomasal body luminal pH of < 1 pH unit, whereas administration of the second and third doses of the antacid caused transient (< 3 hours) increases in mean luminal pH of approximately 1.5 (low dose) and 2.5 (high dose) pH units.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that clinically normal milk-fed calves given a commercially available antacid agent, PO, will have a transient increase in abomasal luminal pH. Such agents may, therefore, have a role in the treatment of abomasal ulceration in calves; however, the long-term effects of orally administered antacid agents in milk-fed calves and the clinical efficacy of such agents in treating abomasal ulceration remain to be determined.
Ahmed
Ahmed E
AE
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
Constable
Peter D
PD
Misk
Nabil A
NA
D000018:Abomasum / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000536:Aluminum Hydroxide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D000863:Antacids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002417:Cattle / Q000378:metabolism*; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration / Q000187:drug effects; D008276:Magnesium Hydroxide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D011897:Random Allocation; D013997:Time Factors; D014456:Ulcer / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary
D000863:Antacids; D000536:Aluminum Hydroxide; D008276:Magnesium Hydroxide