What should the oral rehydration solution contain?
Oral rehydration solutions used for treatment of scouring calves are different from those used for electrolyte supplementation. The latter provide supplemental electrolytes to older, usually weaned, calves or cattle during times of stress from transport, weather or other situations likely to cause loss of fluids and electrolytes. It is easy to confuse the 2 types of product; however, if the directions require small amounts of powder being mixed into gallons of water, this indicates that the solution is only supplemental and should not be used for treatment of scours. One of the most important components of oral rehydration solutions is water. Water is the essential ingredient in any rehydration solution. Sodium should be included in the solution at 70 to 145 mmol/L. Sodium is tightly regulated by the body; both low (from diarrhea, for example) and high levels of sodium in the body can cause problems. Excess sodium means calves will need to drink more water to dilute the sodium; extra w
