Two trials of induction of water intoxication, at weaning and 1 month
after weaning, were carried out in 5 test and 5 control calves. The te
st calves did not have any access to salts and water, other than that
contained in milk, for the whole preweaning period. The control calves
had water ad lib. throughout the preweaning period. To induce water i
ntoxication in the test carves, water. was provided ad lib. at weaning
and calves allowed to drink voluntarily. After the initial disease ep
isode at weaning, water was provided to test calves at small amounts e
quivalent to the volume of milk provided before weaning and a second t
rial of disease induction carried out 1 month later. In both trials, v
arying degrees of clinical signs of the disease were observed in all t
he 5 calves while none of the signs were observed in control calves. T
he signs observed included haemoglobinuria, CNS disturbance, colic, di
arrhoea, arrhythmia, oedema of the eyelids, blindness. excessive lacri
mation, and excessive salivation.