Evaluation of Homocysteine Levels in Neonatal Calves With Diarrhea

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum homocysteine (HCY), and creatinine, urea, venous blood gas and electrolytes values in neonatal calves with diarrhea. The study was conducted on a total of 30 calves, 20 with diarrhea and 10 healthy (control), with diarrhea complaints, of different races, sexes and ages ranging from 2-24 days. According to the venous blood gas results, the pCO(2) and base deficit values of calves with diarrhea were significantly higher (P<0.001) compared to the control group values, while pH, pO(2) and HCO3 values were significantly lower (P<0.001). While serum Na+ and Cl- concentrations in diarrheic calves did not show any statistical change when compared to the control group (P>0.05), serum K+ concentrations were statistically higher (P<0.001). Serum HCY, folate and vitamin B-12 concentration values of diarrheic calves were significantly higher (P<0.001) when compared to the control group. As a result; in neonatal calves with diarrhea, it has been concluded that homocystein excretion is disrupted by low renal excretion due to decrease in glomerular filtration rate that caused hyperhomocysteine. In addition, it is thought that this study will shed light on studies that will reveal the effect of hyperhomocysteinemia in the cardiovascular system in diarrheic calves.