The effect of potassium levels on electrocardiographic data in calves with neonatal diarrhea

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the current study was to assess the potassium levels and electrocardiographic (ECG) data in a cohort of 40 calves (age < 30 days) diagnosed with newborn diarrhea, originating from dairy farms located in Ankara, Turkey.
 Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on a dairy farm located in Ankara, involving a population of 500 dairy animals. The calves were divided into two groups: one group with normal potassium levels (n=24) and another group with hyperkalemia (n=16) due to neonatal diarrhea. After the initial clinical examination was conducted on the farm, electrocardiographic investigations were carried out utilizing an ECG equipment. The biochemical analysis of blood samples that were collected in red and dry collecting tubes was carried out with the assistance of an automated analyzing machine 
 Results: The findings indicate that there were no statistically significant differences observed across all ECG variables between the two groups.
 Conclusion: Acidemia and metabolic acidosis are commonly observed in calves suffering from hyperkalemic diarrhea, as documented in previous investigations, often accompanied by heart rhythm problems. In contrast, the current investigation revealed that neonatal calves with diarrhea and hyperkalemia had just a deepening of the T wave, without any additional abnormalities. Nevertheless, it is important to note that acidemia and metabolic acidosis were not of a severe nature. The implementation of Holter monitoring is indicated for calves experiencing hyperkalemia in conjunction with diarrhea.