J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1972. 35:986-994.
© 1972 American Society of Animal Science
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EKG, Respiratory, Saliva Flow and Serum Mineral Changes Associated with KCl-Citric Acid Induced Tetany in Cattle

T. S. Rumsey and P. A. Putnam1, 2,

U. S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705

Abstract

ELECTROCARDIOGRAPH (EKG) patterns, respiratory rate, saliva flow, and serum mineral concentrations were obtained from five mature beef steers for the purpose of characterizing the tetany caused by a ruminal drench of potassium chloride (KCl) and citric acid. Steers were either drenched or infused intraruminally with a solution containing 500 g of KCl and 500 g of citric acid. EKG patterns changed rapidly after drenching of one steer and death occurred within 60 minutes. The degree and rate of changes were less following 40-, 20- and 10-min. infusions, and following infusion, the steers approached an acute state of toxicity but recovered without the aid of an antidote. Typical changes in the EKG patterns were an increase in the P interval, decreases in the P-R and Q-T intervals, a more negative QRS complex and an inverted T wave. Concurrent with extreme toxic conditions the P wave was lost and the QRS and T intervals were broadened. Changes in EKG patterns were associated with a serum potassium concentration of 9.0 mEq./liter. Respiratory rate increased and saliva flow decreased after infusion. The study demonstrated that steers could adapt to a rapid rate of infusion and that changes in EKG patterns following infusion were less when a 90% forage diet was fed than when a 30% forage diet was fed.

Footnotes

1 A.R.S., Nutrition Institute, Ruminant Nutrition Laboratory.

2 The authors acknowledge the technical assistance of Ed Williams, Larry Colbert, Arlan Evans and Russell Lewis in conducting the study.






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