New Approach to Electrolyte Therapy

Abstract

Oral electrolyte administration remains the mainstay of therapy of calf diarrhea. Solutions can effectively combat dehydration if they are administered in sufficient volume (6.5 to 8.5 L daily) alone or in combination with milk. Hypertonic oral electrolyte solutions are the most calorie dense of the oral electrolyte solutions and are superior to most isosmolar solutions in their ability to resolve metabolic acidosis and electrolyte derangements of the scouring calf. Continued milk feeding combined with administration of oral electrolyte solution for treatment of diarrhea can satisfactorily meet the calf's caloric requirements for maintenance and growth, increase weight gain, improve glucose homeostasis, and shorten the course of diarrhea. Provision of fiber and beneficial intestinal microflora in oral electrolyte solutions have potentially beneficial outcomes but remain to be tested in field studies.