Source Publication (e.g., journal title)
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4288-2262
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-29-2024
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.17066
Abstract
Background
Hypothermia is a cause of neonatal calf death in cold climates. Practical and effective rewarming methods are important for bovine health within affected regions.
Hypothesis/Objectives
To compare the rewarming rate and blood analytes (glucose, lactate, and cortisol) of calves resuscitated with forced air with warm water bath, with or without oral administration of caffeine.
Animals
Twenty healthy neonatal Holstein bull calves.
Methods
In this randomized, prospective study, calves born healthy and without history of dystocia were cooled to 32°C rectal temperature then thermally resuscitated using either forced air rewarming or warm water bath (40°C) with or without oral administration of caffeine. Rectal temperatures were used to quantify recovery rate. Measurements of glucose, lactate, and cortisol were recorded for every 2°C change in rectal temperature.
Results
Rectal temperature decline (0.03°C per minute) and total cooling time (191.0 ± 33.3 minutes) did not significantly differ among treatment groups. Calves were successfully resuscitated to 38°C by either method. Time required to euthermia using warm water was significantly faster (0.1°C per minute; 64.3 ± 17.8 minute; P < .05) than forced air (0.05°C per minute; 123.1 ± 20.0 minutes). Caffeine had no significant effect on resuscitation rate (P = .14; 95% CI, −0.002 to 0.024) in either treatment; however, caffeine was associated with reduced time to euthermia by 8.3 and 10.8 minutes, respectively. Changes in metabolic variables (glucose, lactate, and cortisol), were inversely related to rectal temperature with no statistical significance among rewarming methods.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance
Although warm water submersion is faster, forced air rewarming is an effective alternative for restoration of euthermia.
Recommended Citation
Copeland AT, Kreuder AJ, Dewell G, et al. Randomized comparison between a forced air system and warm water bath for resuscitation of neonatal hypothermic calves with or without oral administration of caffeine. J Vet Intern Med. 2024; 1-10. doi:10.1111/jvim.17066
Submission Type
Publisher's Version
Included in
Comparative and Laboratory Animal Medicine Commons, Large or Food Animal and Equine Medicine Commons, Veterinary Toxicology and Pharmacology Commons