Hetastarch and Hetastarch + 7.2% NaCl solution in the treatment of hypovolemic diarrheic calves

Objective. In this study, it was aimed to compare the effectiveness of Hydroxyethyl Starch (HTS), HTS + 7.2% NaCl combination and Ringer Lactate solutions in the treatment of hypovolemic calves with diarrhea. Materials and methods. A total of 21 holstein calves (12 female, 9 male, weighted 28-52 kg), at the age of 0-30 days, were enrolled in the present study. The calves were randomly divided into 3 groups. Calves in the first group received HTS (10 mL/kg), calves in the second group received Hydroxyethyl starch + 7.2% NaCl combination (4 mL/kg) and calves in the third group were treated with lactated Ringer's solution (32 mL/kg) intravenously. Calves in each group were administered with oral rehydration solution immediately, and at 8th and 16th hours after intravenous applications. Clinical examinations and laboratory findings were obtained at 0 hour, 30th minutes, 1st, 2nd, 4th, 12th and 24th hours respectively. Results. Calves in all groups achieved clinical remission with a positive response to treatment and there was no statistically significant difference in the vast majority of the variables examined, although dehydration, capillary refill time, mental status and pulse quality were better in hydroxyethyl starch group and especially in hydroxyethyl starch + 7.2% NaCl group than those of Ringer's lactate group (p<0.05). Conclusions. In the present study, treatment of hypovolemic calves with diarrhea especially with Hydroxyethyl starch and Hydroxyethyl starch + 7.2% NaCl combination along with oral fluid therapy with the electrolyte solution was considered to be practical and effective.