Assessment of clinical and biochemical profile of cattle during induction and treatment of hypocalcemia

Abstract

The present work aims to study the clinical picture, biochemical profile and treatment response in cattle with induced hypocalcaemia. Were utilized 12 heifers randomly distributed in treated (n = 7) and control (n = 5) groups. The induction model was carried on by continuous EDTA infusion into jugular vein until the animals present clinical signs of hypocalcaemia. After that, the treated group received a calcium (Ca) solution enriched with phosphorus, magnesium and glucose with a dose of 1 mL/kg/BW in 30 minutes, meanwhile, the control group was treated with the same dose of physiologic solution. Clinical examination were performed and blood samples were obtained in times T0 (basal time), T1 (beginning of hypocalcaemia); T2 (end of EDTA infusion); T3 (end of treatment) and T4 (24 hours after the induction). All the heifers present temporary blood calcium and phosphorus reduction and demonstrated classical clinical picture of hypocalcaemia. The treated group present full clinical recovery and blood calcium and phosphorus increase. Most evident clinical signs were increasing heart beat, hypophonesis and rumenal atony. Those symptoms were reversed after calcium treatment. The solution used for treatment was efficient on clinical recovery within thirty minutes, promoting the return to basal levels of the most of biochemical's variables.