As it turns out, in the middle of the metabolism section of
this course, I find myself with a severely “scoured” calf on my hands. The primary symptom of scours is
diarrhea—lots and lots of it. We are
doing everything we can—electrolytes, meds, around-the-clock
care—everything. So far, we’ve stayed
ahead of the dehydration battle, and we hope she will survive.
Of course, in severe cases fluids given subcutaneously
(under the skin—absorbed by tissues) or intravenously are needed. There are two main types oral electrolyte
choices in situations not requiring immediate fluids (regardless of
species!). For the oral route, and in
providing sufficient nutrients, current recommendations have really changed!
In the past, it was recommended that all milk be removed
from the diet until the scours resolved.
Now, that is not advised at all.
Currently, the two options of oral supplementation of fluids and
elctrolytes are:
1.
Supplementation with solutions that contain
glucose, electrolytes, and sodium bicarbonate.
This can’t be mixed with milk feedings; milk feedings must alternate
with the electrolyte feedings because the bicarbonate interferes with milk
digestion. Typically ~2 hours between
feedings is needed.
2.
Supplementation with solutions that contain
glucose, glycine, electrolytes and no sodium bicarbonate. This can
be mixed with milk and/or there is no “waiting period” between electrolyte and
milk feedings.
We began with #1—alternating feedings, then, switched to #2
in hopes she could handle feedings that were similar a little better—i.e. we
were mixing milk and a #2 type of supplement.
After consultation with our lovely vet, he wishes for us to
return now to #1, as he is concerned that acidity will be a problem.
Your assignment—BY EMAIL—is to tell me:
1.
Why is he
concerned (and correct!). Why are acidic
conditions likely to result in cases of scours or chronic diarrhea? [hint:
think about today’s two screencasts!]
2.
How does the addition of sodium bicarbonate help
alleviate the acidity?
3.
Specifically, how does sodium bicarbonate
interfere with milk digestion?
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