Treatment of calf diarrhea: oral fluid therapy.
Diarrhea remains the leading cause of mortality in beef and dairy calves. Calves that have diarrhea frequently develop dehydration, strong ion acidosis, and electrolyte abnormalities, and are in a state of negative energy balance. Oral electrolyte therapy is a simple and economical method of addressing all of these potential complications. This article gives an overview of oral electrolyte therapy of calves, including indications, guidelines for administration, and how to choose an electrolyte product.
Smith
Geof W
GW
Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 4700 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA. geoffrey_smith@ncsu.edu
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome