For a ruminant, we note a slight enophthalmos, corresponding to a sinking of the eye into the orbit of 2 to 3 mm; we do not note any hollow at the internal corner of the eye.

Synonyms

No known synonym

Name of the disease in English

Dehydration-1 of the ruminant

The disease in brief

Ruminant dehydration covers various realities: If this disorder accompanies an abomasum volvulus, dehydration is accompanied by hypochloremia, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis; if dehydration occurs following ruminal acidosis due to excess cereals, it is accompanied by acidosis and often hypocalcemia. A precise assessment by analysis is therefore very useful. The clinical assessment of dehydration in a ruminant is centered on the assessment of enophthalmos. This clinical assessment remains of interest because it is easy and quick and allows treatment of hypovolemia that will improve renal function.

Clinic & diagnosis

 For a calf that is already a pre-ruminant, severe enophthalmos is noted, corresponding to a sinking of the eye into the orbit of 6 mm or more; a hollow of more than 3 mm is noted at the internal corner of the eye.

Typical sign of the disease

No description

Pictures

See below

Diagnostic formulas

No description

Differential diagnosis

Confirm a suspicion?

Diagnostic tests that can be performed at the bedside in rural medicine are more affordable. A blood test can be used to assess the main elements in the stable.

Prognosis and treatment

Oral rehydration is desirable by drenching hypotonic solutions, containing sodium, potassium and calcium. Many ruminants dehydrated following digestive problems are in alkalosis, non-alkalizing solutions will be preferred; these solutions will be useful in cases of acute acidosis.

Prevention

Prevention is first of all that of the problem at the origin of dehydration; however, it is necessary to ensure the quality of watering of calves in pre-weaning: Accessibility and operation of waterers.

References