Intraperitoneal fluid administration to neonatal calves.

Objective: To determine if Intraperitoneal fluid therapy (IPFT) is an effective rehydration therapeutic option for dehydrated neonatal calves. Perceived risks and unknown efficacy have limited IPFT implementation into practice. It is hypothesized that IPFT will be an efficient and safe method of fluid administration to healthy neonatal calves.

Methods: 4 L of isotonic saline was administered IP to healthy calves (n = 4). Control animals received no treatment (n = 2). Clinical and blood parameters were collected before and after fluid administration in all animals.

Results: Girth diameter and transabdominal ultrasonographic fluid depth changes indicated fluid absorption from the abdominal cavity following IPFT. Total plasma protein, chloride, and sodium concentration changes demonstrated fluid absorption into the systemic circulation. Clinical parameters and serum amyloid A concentrations indicated the absence of inflammation during or following IPFT administration.

Conclusions: This study indicates that IP saline was effectively absorbed into the systemic circulation within a clinically useful timeframe. Intraperitoneal fluid therapy is a viable treatment option for moderately dehydrated calves.

Clinical relevance: Fluid therapy is indicated in dehydrated calves primarily for volume replacement and when more than 8 days old for correcting acid-base aberrations. Those that are recumbent and unable to suck will likely require IV fluid therapy. The animals likely to benefit from IPFT are those that are able to suck and ambulate but are likely to require more than oral rehydration therapy.