Clinical manifestation of experimental water intoxication in calves

Abstract

Two trials of induction of water intoxication at weaning and I month after weaning were carried out in 5 test and 5 control calves. The test calves did not have any access to salts and water other than that contained in milk. for the whole preweaning period. The control calves had water ad lib. throughout the preweaning period. To induce water intoxication in the test calves. water was provided ad lib. at weaning and calves allowed 1.0 drink voluntarily. After the initial disease episode at weaning. water was provided to test calves at mall amounts equivalent to the volume of milk provided before weaning and a second trial of disease induction carried out I month later. In both trials. varying degrees of clinical signs of the disease were observed ill all the 5 calve while none of the signs were observed in control calves. The sign: observed included haemoglobinuria. disturbance. colic. diarrhea. arrhythmia. oedema of the eyelids, blindness. excessive lacrimation. and excessive salivation.