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-3 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; it allows treatment of hypovolemia that will improve renal function.

Clinic & diagnosis

For a 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

Rehydration is desirable by perfusion of:

– NaCl 0.9% or Glucose 10 or 20% depending on measured blood sugar.

– NaCl 7.2%, 2 to 4 mL/kg body weight with drinking water ad libitum.

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