Evaluation of the effect of bolus administration of 50% dextrose solution on measures of electrolyte and energy balance in postpartum dairy cows.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of IV administration of a bolus of 50% dextrose solution on electrolyte and energy balance and effect of blood collection site on serum electrolyte values in postparturient dairy cows.


METHODS
24 clinically normal multiparous cows.


METHODS
A bolus of 50% dextrose solution (0.5 L [n=8 cows]), 50% dextrose solution (1.0 L [8]), or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (1.0 L, control treatment [8]) was administered via jugular venipuncture 5 to 10 days after parturition. Pretreatment and posttreatment blood samples were analyzed for concentrations of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, glucose, insulin, beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), and nonesterified fatty acids. Coccygeal vessel and jugular vein blood samples were obtained prior to treatment, and electrolyte concentrations were compared.


RESULTS
Treatment with 50% dextrose decreased phosphorus concentration in serum, compared with the control treatment. Suppression of BHBA and nonesterified fatty acid concentrations following dextrose treatment lasted for <12 hours; mean BHBA concentrations in all groups were increased 24 hours after treatment. Mean serum phosphorus concentration in coccygeal vessel blood samples was 0.67 mg/dL greater than the concentration in jugular vein blood samples.


CONCLUSIONS
Postpartum cows treated with dextrose solution may be at risk for hypophosphatemia, and 1 treatment with 0.5 or 1 L of 50% dextrose solution is unlikely to prevent or resolve acetonemia (ketosis). The risk of hypophosphatemia may be underestimated when coccygeal vessel blood samples are used for diagnosis.
Wagner
Sarah A
SA
Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA. Sarah.Wagner@ndsu.edu
Schimek
Daniel E
DE
D020155:3-Hydroxybutyric Acid / Q000097:blood; D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood; D002417:Cattle; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects*; D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005947:Glucose / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000502:physiology; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000097:blood; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000502:physiology; D012445:Sacrococcygeal Region / Q000502:physiology
D001786:Blood Glucose; D004573:Electrolytes; D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; D007328:Insulin; D010758:Phosphorus; D008274:Magnesium; D005947:Glucose; D002118:Calcium; D020155:3-Hydroxybutyric Acid