Synonyms

No known synonym

Name of the disease in English

Respiratory acidosis of calf following an anoxic birth

The disease in brief

These are calves which suffered from anoxia during birth and which fail to restore an acid-base balance in the blood.

Clinic & diagnosis

The disease is suspected in a calf a few days old when dejection, respiratory/circulatory signs and nervous/locomotor signs are noted; it is presented by the breeder for an impossible recovery or nervous or respiratory signs:

-Nervous/Locomotor signs: Either the calf cannot straighten up from the lying position, or it is impossible to lift it, or it staggers upright. He is restless or drowsy, reflexes are diminished, he is limp or does not know how to drink. He may show convulsions.

- Signs on the head/eye: The conjunctiva is purplish, or he does not suck the fingers that are offered to him; he has trouble supporting his head, or his head is thrown off. The pupil is mydriasis, or there is nystagmus, non-pendulum, or the threat blink reflex absent and the pupillary light reflex present.

-At the respiratory level, there is tachypnea, a jerky respiratory movement, or he shows apnea, or goes as far as acute respiratory distress.

Typical sign of the disease

No description

Pictures

See below

Diagnostic formulas

No description

Differential diagnosis

-Sepsis/endotoxemia/DIC N340

- Brain injury N224

–Meningoencephalitis caused by non-specific bacteria (or BHV5 virus or other) NV13.1
-Hydranencephaly N205

Confirm a suspicion?

Confirmation can be done if you have access to blood pH measurement: These diagnostic tests at the bedside of the patient can be done from a blood test (whole blood) to immediately assess electrolytes, blood gases (analyzer) and blood sugar. This evaluation is necessary to choose the solutes and know the necessary volumes.

Prognosis and treatment

The treatment (bicarbonate buffer solution by slow IV route) must compensate for the blood acidosis. The clinical evaluation is possible by referring to the evaluation of the general state of the patient made by Vetaid, with complete examination of the patient. Depending on the level of acidosis-1 or acidosis-2 assessed, the volumes will be adjusted:

 -Acidose1: An infusion of  1 to 1.5L NaHCO3 1.4% , restores blood balance.

-Acidosis-2: An infusion of 3L-3.5L NaHCO3 1.4% or 500ml to 1L of NaHCO3 5.6%, restores blood balance.

-Resume watering of the calf in the following hours with alkalinizers or milk depending on the condition of the calf.

Prevention

Prevention is based on good obstetrical practices and warning the breeder of the need to intervene from the day of birth when breathing is difficult.

References

Large animal internal Medicine-Field Guide. SMITH B.BP. Mosby ed p88