Effects of dehydration on functional parameters of fluid balance as well as effectiveness of rehydration using crystalline or colloidal infusion drips in calves

: Studies were conducted on 57 calves (aged 3-23 d) to elucidate the effects of diarrhoeal and experimentally induced dehydration upon functional parameters of the fluid balance and of renal functionality. Aggravating intensity and length of diarrhoea was found to be accompanied by decline in intravasal and extracellular fluid compartments. Ante mortem dehydration of the animals with diarrhoea was close to 20% relative to body weight. This was paralleled by life-threatening drop of glomerular filtration rates to < 10% of original physiological values. Administration of a diuretic, associated with reduction by 50% of daily liquid uptake, proved helpful in generating dehydration of 5 to 6% relative to body weight. Evidence was provided to the effect that isooncotic colloid-electrolyte solution was superior to pure isotonic electrolyte solution for rehydration of calves dehydrated in the first place in the way described. Colloidal infusion, in particular, produced favourable therapeutic effects in terms of optimization of blood plasma volume and renal ultrafiltration.