Using Serum Total CO₂ or Bicarbonate Values to Individualize Fluid Therapy

Abstract

Conditions such as calf diarrhea, grain overload, vagal indigestion, and abomasal torsion often result in dehydration with very different types of electrolyte and acid-base abnormalities. If one is able to rapidly determine whether the animal is suffering from metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, and how severe that derangement is, one is able to better correct the acid-base and electrolyte abnormalities.