Effect of Diarrhea on Serum Electrolytes and Trace Elements in Sheep and Goats

Diarrhea leads to deprivation of health and decrease in production potential of an animal. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the serum electrolytes and trace elements in diarrheic sheep and goats. For this study, a total of 100 diarrheic animals were included, comprising 50 sheep and 50 goats experiencing clinical diarrhea, regardless of the cause from different livestock farms situated in peri urban areas of Lahore were examined. The results showed that the levels of serum Sodium (Na) and Potassium (K) were increased significantly (P< 0.05) while serum Calcium (Ca) level was decreased significantly (P< 0.05) in diarrheic group as compared to the control group. There is no significant change in serum Iron (Fe) and Copper (Cu) levels in diarrheic group as compared to the control group. Serum copper and Pack cell volume (PCV) had a significant correlation in case of diarrheic animals. It was concluded that diarrhea have a significant correlation with serum electrolytes and trace elements. This study will help to veterinary practitioners in field regarding diagnosis and treatment of diarrhea.