Diarrhea in neonates is often complicated by metabolic acidosis. We used blood gas analysis and HPLC to determine whether bacterial fermentation might contribute to acidosis in diarrheic calves. Diarrheic calves (n = 21) had significantly lower pH, PCO(2), HCO(3)(-) and a higher anion gap than healthy calves (n = 21). Serum concentrations (mean +/- SD, mmol/L) of DL-, L- and D-lactate were also significantly higher in diarrheic (8.9 +/- 5.1, 4.1 +/- 3.4 and 5.2 +/- 5.7) than in healthy calves (1.7 +/- 1.2, 2.0 +/- 1.1 and too low to quantify). D- and L-lactate accounted for 64% anion gap increase in diarrheic calves. Fecal D- and L-lactate concentrations were also significantly higher in diarrheic calves (9.4 +/- 3.0 and 11.9 +/- 2.7 mmol/L) than healthy calves (1.1 +/- 0.1 and 1.6 +/- 0.1 mmol/L). The elevated concentrations of serum and fecal D-lactate suggest gut bacterial fermentation contributes to the development of acidosis in diarrhea.

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Summary Intestinal atresia is uncommon in foals. The occurrence of equine atresia coli was 0.44% in the Veterinary Medical Data Base (VMDB). An occurrence of equine intestinal atresia of 1.3% was found at the Large Animal Hospital, University of Montreal. Five case records from the VMDB and 2 from the University of Montreal were reviewed. The breed distribution of cases was: Appaloosa (N = 2), Morgan (N = 1), Standardbred (N = 1), Throughbred (N = 1), Paint Horse (N / 1) and Quarter Horse (N = 1). Five foals had type III or blind‐end atresias and 2 foals had type II or cord atresias. The pelvic flexure was absent in 2 cases. Clinical signs were progressive abdominal distension, colic, lack of faecal production and lack of response to enema administration. Two cases presented a blind ending rectum on digital palpation. Surgical correction was attempted in 3 foals but was unsuccessful. A grave prognosis should be given when this condition is diagnosed in foals.

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Rotavirus infections are the most common cause of gastroenteritis among children younger than 3 years of age and are associated with sporadic outbreaks of diarrhea in elderly and immunocompromised patients. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are formulated to correct dehydration and acidosis. Currently, ORS do not promote intestinal healing; however, investigators are examining the role of nutrition in promoting intestinal healing. This article reviews the composition of several ORS in human medicine and summarizes our current knowledge of the nutritional treatment of rotavirus diarrhea and intestinal healing.