Fluid Therapy

Posted by Dr. Sara Barber on June 13 2006 09:09

Fluid Therapy Options

Authored By: Dr. Sara Barber

Baby Calves and Dehydration

• Calves dehydrate quickly
• Dehydrate from heat, scours, pneumonia
• Bottom Line: All sick calves need fluid therapy

How much fluid does the 90 lb calf need?

• Sick calf with no signs of dehydration:
  • 5% dehydrated
  • 2 liters deficient
• Calf with positive skin tent:
  • 7% dehydrated
  • 3 liters deficient
• Calf with sunken eyes:
  • 9% dehydrated
  • 3.5 Liters deficient

Fluid Deficiency

• The calf needs these fluids IN ADDITION to it's regular fluid intake

How to supplement fluids?

• Oral
• Subcutaneous
• Intraperitoneal
• Intravenous

Oral Fluid Supplementation

• Only if calf is sucking or moving it's tongue
• Separate from milk feeding by at least one hour
• 2 Liters of balanced electrolyte solution
  • CDT
  • First Response

Subcutaneous

• Fluids given under the skin
• Slower absorption than IV
• Volume limited
• 500-1,000 cc
• Better Calf IV Fluids
  • Do not use straight water

Intraperitoneal

• Fluids into the abdomen
• Use a 16x1" needle on the calves right side
• More volume and quicker absorption than SQ
• 1,000-2,000 cc
• Better Calf IV fluids

Intravenous

• Quickest absorption and recovery
• 4 Liters quickly
• Up to 8 liters in 4 hours
• Need to use IV catheter and good calf restraint
• Better Calf IV fluids

Summary

• All sick calves need additional fluid therapy
• Four choices
  • Oral
  • Subcutaneous
  • Intraperitoneal
  • Intravenous