Intravenous polyionic solution with a high concentration of lactate (84 mEq/L) is effective for the treatment of diarrheal calves

[Solução intravenosa poliiônica com concentração elevada de lactato (84 mEq/L) é eficaz para o tratamento de bezerros com diarreia]

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an electrolyte solution with a high lactate concentration (84mEq/L; L84) in correcting imbalances in diarrheal calves. Another solution with similar electrolyte composition, containing 84mEq/L of bicarbonate (B84) was used for comparison. Diarrhea was induced in neonatal calves by rotavirus infection, sucrose ingestion and furosemide administration. When a moderate degree of metabolic acidosis was reached, the calves were treated with intravenous infusion of L84 (n=10) or B84 (n=10) solutions. Venous blood and urine samples were collected before starting the infusion (0 h), in the middle (2.5 h), at the end (5.0 h) and 2.5 hours later. Total plasma protein concentration, blood and urine pH, blood pCO₂, HCO₃ ^-, and BE, plasma and urine concentration of L-lactate, and serum and urine concentrations of Na⁺, K⁺, and Cl^- were measured. Strong ion difference, total concentration of non-volatile weak acids, anion gap, strong ion gap, percentage change in plasma volume, and urinary fractional clearances of Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^-, and L-lactate were calculated. The calves demonstrated moderate dehydration, hypernatremia, hyperchloremia, metabolic acidosis, and unmeasured anion accumulation. These changes were completely corrected with the L84 solution, and the effects did not differ from those observed with B84 solution. The calves recovered without further therapeutic procedures, demonstrating that the L84 solution was effective for treating diarrheal calves.

Keywords:
neonatal diarrhea; metabolic acidosis; dehydration; fluid therapy; electrolyte solution