Supportive therapy of generalised endotoxaemia in cattle using hypertonic saline

Abstract

ENDOTOXAEMIA in adult cattle commonly results from peracute Gram‐negative bacterial infections including [i]Escherichia coli[/i] mastitis, severe endometritis, septic peritonitis and acute abdominal catastrophes where disruption of the intestinal mucosal barrier may allow absorption of endotoxin. This practice tip describes the technique of hypertonic saline infusion, which has proved to be a useful adjunct in the treatment of generalised endotoxaemia.