Pathogenesis and diagnosis of dehydration and rehydration in sheep
Nicpon, J.
Deutsche Tierärztliche Wochenschrift 90(1): 13-20
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0341-6593 PMID: 6339193 Document Number: 217721
Six Merinos aged 3-4 years, weighing 75 kg and maintained on hay and concentrates, were deprived of water for 6 days and then allowed free access to water. During dehydration there was no variation in rectal temperature or pulse rate. A 14% loss in body weight, recorded on the 6th day, was regained 5 days later. Leukocyte count and haemoglobin content remained unchanged during dehydration, but erythrocyte volume decreased and erythrocyte count increased. The haematocrit value rose sharply 3 hours after rehydration. Creatinine, aldosterone, blood protein and blood urea increased during dehydration, while blood glucose fell. These values returned to normal 3 days after rehydration. The increased sodium concentration in blood serum, urine and rumen fluid, and the slightly increased serum chloride content of serum returned to normal 3 hours after rehydration. Alkalosis prevailed during dehydration and acidosis during rehydration. Mean daily urine volume was 0.85 litres before dehydration, 0.1 litre at the end of dehydration, and 1.5 litres upon rehydration. Dehydration reduced total body water by 8.9% (extracellular fluid by 6.9% and intracellular fluid by 2%).