Physiological function of the gastrointestinal tract and pathophysiological changes in neonatal diarrhea of calves
Kaske, M.
Deutsche Tierärztliche Wochenschrift 100(11): 434-439
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0341-6593 PMID: 8261915 Document Number: 421442
Basic principles of absorption and secretion in the intestine of healthy animals are reviewed. The aetiology and the pathophysiological mechanisms of neonatal diarrhoea in the calf due to alimentary or infectious causes are discussed. Regarding infectious diarrhoea E. coli and rota-/coronavirus caused diseases are discussed. Enterotoxins of E. coli stimulate primarily the secretion of chloride (and thereby water) in the small intestine without damaging the intestinal mucosa. The sodium-dependent transport systems for the absorption of glucose and amino acids remain intact. In contrast, infections with rota- or coronavirus lead primarily to a disturbance of absorption processes in the intestine due to villous atrophy. Crypt cells are indirectly affected by inflammation mediators. Intestinal motility is inhibited during most diarrhoeic episodes: the application of parasympatholytics in therefore not suggested. Effects of age and stress on the incidence of diarrhoeic diseases and faecal electrolyte and water losses are discussed.