Treatment of hypernatremia in an acidotic: neonatal calf

It is important for clinicians to recognize signs consistent with hypernatr emia in calves so they can take aggressive steps to prevent neurologic dama ge or death. Treating hypernatremia in calves is a therapeutic dilemma because acidosis and dehydration are common concurrent problems, and inappropriate administr ation of fluids can result in fatal cerebral edema. The objective of treatment of hypernatremia in carves is to decrease serum sodium concentration more slowly than is possible with administration of tr aditional isotonic fluids.