Water Intoxication
Johanna L. Watson • Gary P. Carlson
Massive water intake may produce marked hypotonicity of body fluids, with subsequent intravascular hemolysis of erythrocytes.6 This problem has been described as a naturally occurring entity in milk-reared calves when they are first given access to unlimited quantities of water.7,8 Severe neurologic signs may be seen (e.g., depression, convulsions, coma).
Respiratory distress, hemoglobinuria, and death losses occur in some cases. Clinicopathologic features include hemolytic anemia, hypoproteinemia, hyponatremia, hypochloremia, hyposmolality, hemoglobinuria, and hyposthenuria. A sudden decrease in serum osmolality is believed to result in osmotic lysis of erythrocytes.9 Erythrocytes are most susceptible to osmotic shock when calves are between 4 and 5 months of age. Treatment is primarily a matter of temporarily restricting water and providing supportive care. Calves with marked hyponatremia (sodium of 110 mmol/L) that are manifesting neurologic signs may benefit from hypertonic saline, mannitol, and corticosteroids. The goal of treatment is restoring serum sodium to 120 to 125 mmol/L without overcorrection. Death losses can occur in as little as 2 hours, but most calves recover without long-term adverse effects.
More on the topic Water Intoxication:
-
Veterinarian -