ABSTRACT:
According to the World Health Organization, the development of orally replacement fluids and electrolytes was one of the most significant advances of the twentieth century, markedly reducing mortality from diarrheal children. In veterinary medicine, oral electrolyte solutions (OES) are routinely used to treat diarrheic neonatal calves in order to correct water, electrolyte and acid base imbalances. In North America, the use of OES is routine and there are at least 20 commercial alternatives. Use of OES has increased in recent years in Brazil, but just five commercial products are currently available. The OES should contain, in suitable concentrations, electrolytes, glucose and an alkalizing agent to ensure its therapeutic efficacy. This review aimed to address the therapeutic importance of OES for neonatal calves and to evaluate the compositions and characteristics of those commercially available in Brazil.
Key words:
electrolyte imbalance; diarrhea; oral electrolyte solution; dehydration; acid base imbalance