Diagnosis and Management of Water Intoxication in a Buffalo calf

Water intoxication occurs due to rapid ingestion of large amount of water by young calves results in intravascular hemolysis, hemoglobinemia and hemoglobinuria. A six-month-old buffalo calf was presented with frequent episodes of hemoglobinuria within two hours of drinking large amount of water. Clinical examination revealed normal body temperature, mild tachycardia, pale mucosa and normal appetite. Hematobiochemical estimation revealed reduced hemoglobin concentration (5.1 gm%), TEC (3.54 million/dl), HCT (19.00%), TLC (6200/dl), MCV (53.8fl), MCHC (26.8 gm%), RDW (16.4%), Platelets (520000/cmm), elevated SGPT (98 IU/L), Total Proteins (5.69 gm/dl), Serum Creatinine (0.63 mg/dl), Serum Calcium (9.59 mg/dl), Serum Phosphorus (4.2 mg/dl), Serum Sodium (130 mEq/L), Serum Chloride (92 mEq/L) and Blood Glucose (66 mg/dl). Hemoglobin, hematocrit, Serum Sodium and Serum Chloride levels were reduced. The buffalo calf was successfully treated with Inj. Furosemide@1 mg/kg body weight to promote diuresis. The urine color became normal within two hours. The owner was advised to add salt in feed and to provide free access to water to calves. Hematinic were given for controlling anemia.