Pathophysiological significance of variation in serum electrolyte concentration during clinical enterocolibacilosis and response to remedial therapy in bovine neonates

A total of 24 diarrhoeic cow and buffalo calves were randomized into five groups, each comprising six animals. Sulphadiazine trimethroprim (Woktrin^*), Ciprofloxacin - tinidazole (Cflox-TZ^**) and Amoxicillin trihydrate (Amoxirum^***) were included in this clinico biochemical investigation. Untreated diarrhoeic and normal (nondiarrhoeic) calves served as positive and negative control, respectively. Suitable electrolyte – cum - fluid replacement therapy was given concurrently. Blood was sampled prior to treatment (day 0) and in the specified post - treatment intervals (day 3, 7 and 15), and non – hemolysed serum was used for electrolyte assay. The serum sodium had reduced significantly (hyponatremia) in the diarrhoeic calves concomitant with perceptibly increased potassium concentration (hyperkalemia), compared to the respective normal values. Hyper chloremia persisted erratically in the untreated diarrhoeic calves, but remedial therapy effectively counteracted the malady, at varying intervals.