A Comparison of Simultaneously Collected Arterial, Mixed Venous, Jugular Venous and Cephalic Venous Blood Samples in the Assessment of Blood-Gas and Acid-Base Status in the Dog

Blood samples were collected simultaneously from the pulmonary artery, jugular vein, cephalic vein, and carotid artery in awake dogs. Blood-gas and acid-base values were measured from these blood samples in normal dogs and in dogs after production of metabolic acidosis and metabolic alkalosis. The values obtained from each of the venous sites were compared with those obtained from arterial blood to determine if venous blood from various sites accurately reflected acid-base balance and could therefore be used in the clinical patient. The results of this study demonstrated significant differences between the blood from various venous sites and the arterial site for PCO2 and pH in all acid-base states. Significant differences for standard bicarbonate (SHCO3) were found only when jugular and cephalic venous blood were compared with arterial blood in dogs with a metabolic acidosis. No significant differences were found for BE when blood from the venous sites was compared with arterial blood. The values for pH, HCO3, TCO2, BE, and SHCO3 measured on blood collected at the various venous sites were found to correlate well with those obtained from arterial blood, with a correlation coefficient of 0.99 for HCO3, TCO2, BE, and SHCO3. These correlation coefficients, together with similar values in BE at all collection sites, indicate that, in the dog with normal circulatory status, blood from any venous site will accurately reflect the acid-base status of the patient.     

Comparison of blood counts in splenic, renal and mesenteric arterial and venous blood in post-pubertal rabbits

OBJECTIVES: To compare blood counts between arterial and venous blood to and from visceral organs and indirectly look into the function of the organs. METHODS: Splenic, renal and superior mesenteric arterial and venous blood samples were obtained from the arteries and veins in 38 post-pubertal rabbits and blood profile, including complete and differential blood counts, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit, were measured with an automatic haematology analyser. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The rabbit spleen released a large amount of leucocytes (both lymphocytes and granulocytes) into the splenic venous blood (a venous increase of 33% in total leucocyte count), and also received more leucocytes (36-58% more in terms of concentration) from the artery than the kidney or intestine. Significantly fewer red blood cells were present in the renal venous blood than in the arterial blood (a venous reduction of 5% in erythrocyte count), but it remains to be clarified why and how the reduction was induced. More than 3-4% of water might be taken into the mesenteric venous blood during microcirculation (a venous reduction of 3-4% in erythrocyte-related parameters) and a significant number of leucocytes (mainly large leucocytes) in the mesenteric blood capillaries might migrate into the surrounding intestinal tissue (a venous reduction of 13% in leucocyte count).     

Influence of Fasting on Canine Arterial and Venous Blood Gas and Acid-Base Measurements

Arterial and venous blood gas profiles were obtained from 33 clinically normal adult dogs of two breeds (German Shepherd Dog and English Pointer) 4 and 24 hours after eating. Fresh drinking water was available. All dogs were fed a nutritionally complete and balanced dry diet. Blood gas parameters measured included pH, pCO₂, pO₂, bicarbonate, base excess, total carbon dioxide, oxygen content, and oxygen saturation.
Statistically significant differences (P < 0.01) were found between sampling intervals (4 and 24 hours postprandial) for pCO₂, bicarbonate, total carbon dioxide, and base excess, for arterial and venous blood samples.
Statistically significant differences (P < 0.01) were found between arterial and venous blood for all parameters, at both sampling intervals.
No statistically significant interactions (P > 0.05) were found between sample type (arterial or venous) and sampling interval.
Correlations between arterial and venous samples were generally (but not exclusively) higher than correlations between sampling intervals. Breed differences were also noted.     

Acid-base balance parameters and a value of anion gap of arterial and venous blood in Małopolski horses

The comparative study of the acid-base balance (ABB) parameters has been performed on 20 clinically healthy mature Ma?opolski horses. An arterial blood sample from the facial artery and a sample of venous blood from the external cervical vein were colected from each animal. In the samples tested, the blood pH, pCO2, tCO2, HCO3-, concentration of Na+, K+, Cl-, and a value of the anion gap were determined. The difference among pCO2, tCO2, and HCO3- in both samples tested was statistically significant, whereas the pH of the arterial blood and the pH of the venous blood did not differ significantly. The anion gap in both types of blood did not differ significantly. Conclusions: 1) ABB parameters such as pCO2, HCO3-, and tCO2 determined in the arterial and venous blood of the Ma?opolski horses differ from each other significantly. 2) In spite of the lack of the differences between pH of the arterial and venous blood, the ABB parameters in horses should be determined in the arterial blood, because the comparative study performed proves that the analysis of the ABB parameters determined for the venous blood of a healthy horse may lead to a wrong diagnosis of the compensated respiratory acidosis. 3) The mean value of anion gap in horses aged 8-12 years amounts to 20.9 mmol/l for the arterial blood and 19.93 for the venous blood; the difference between the two values is not statistically significant.     

Assessment of acid-base status and plasma lactate concentrations in arterial,mixed venous,and portal blood from dogs during experimental hepatic blood inflow occlusion

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of extended experimental hepatic blood flow occlusion (ie, portal triad clamping [PTC]) in dogs by measuring acid-base status and plasma lactate concentrations in arterial, mixed venous, and portal blood and evaluating the relationship between metabolic and concurrent hemodynamic changes. ANIMALS: 6 healthy Beagles. PROCEDURE: During anesthesia with isoflurane, cardiac output and arterial blood pressure were measured. Arterial, mixed venous, and portal blood samples were collected simultaneously for blood gas analyses and plasma lactate measurements before PTC and at 8-minute intervals thereafter. RESULTS: PTC resulted in severe hemodynamic and metabolic alterations. Eight minutes after PTC, significant decreases in cardiac index from a baseline value of 3.40 +/- 0.27 to 1.54 +/- 0.26 L/min/m2 and in mean arterial blood pressure from a baseline value of 74 +/- 6 to 43 +/- 6 mm Hg were recorded. After PTC, results indicative of lactic acidosis were found in portal blood at 16 minutes, in mixed venous at 32 minutes, and in arterial blood at 48 minutes. Significant differences in measured variables were also found between arterial and portal blood samples, between mixed venous and portal blood samples, and between arterial and mixed venous blood samples after PTC, compared with differences at baseline. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Analysis of mixed venous blood is preferable to analysis of arterial blood in the assessment of metabolic derangement. In a clinical setting, occluded portal blood is released to the systemic circulation, and the degree of reperfusion injury may depend on the metabolic status of pooled portal blood.     

Comparison of ventral coccygeal arterial and jugular venous blood samples for pH, pCO2, HCO3, Be(ecf) and ctCO2 values in calves with pulmonary diseases

The aim of this study was to determine whether venous blood samples can be used as an alternative to arterial samples in calves with respiratory problems and healthy calves. Jugular vein and ventral coccygeal artery were used to compare blood gas values. Sampling of the jugular vein followed soon after sampling of the ventral coccygeal artery in healthy calves (group I) and calves with respiratory problems (group II). Mean values of arterial blood for pH, pCO2, HCO3act in healthy calves were 7.475 +/- 0.004, 4.84 +/- 0.2 kPa, 28.45 +/- 1.30 mmol/L compared with venous samples, 7.442 +/- 0.006, 6 +/- 0.3 kPa, 30.93 +/- 1.36 mmol/L, respectively. In group II, these parameters were 7.414 +/- 0.01, 5.93 +/- 0.3, 27.73 +/- 1.96 mmol/L for arterial blood and 7.398 +/- 0.008, 6.85 +/- 0.2 kPa, 29.77 +/- 1.91 mmol/L for venous blood, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between arterial and venous pH, HCO3act, Be(ecf), ctCO2 values with the exception of pCO2 (P = 0.001) in group II. In group I, correlation (r2) between arterial and venous blood pH, pCO2, HCO3act were 84.5%, 87.5%, 95.7%, respectively compared with the same parameters in group II, 80.8%, 77.1%, 70.3%. In conclusion, venous blood gas values can predict arterial blood gas values of pH, pCO2 and HCO3ecf, Be(ecf) and ctCO2- for healthy calves but only pH values in calves with acute respiratory problems (r2 value>80%).     

Collection and analysis of peritoneal fluid from healthy llamas and alpacas

OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique for abdominocentesis in camelids and report peritoneal fluid biochemical and cytologic findings from healthy llamas and alpacas. DESIGN: Prospective study. Animals-17 adult llamas and 5 adult alpacas. PROCEDURES: Right paracostal abdominocentesis was performed. Peritoneal fluid was collected by gravity flow into tubes containing potassium-EDTA for cell count and cytologic evaluation and lithium heparin for biochemical analysis. Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture into heparinized tubes at the same time. Cytologic components were quantified. Fluid pH and concentrations of total carbon dioxide, sodium, potassium, chloride, lactate, and glucose were compared between peritoneal fluid and venous blood. RESULTS: All but 3 camelids had peritoneal fluid cell counts of < 3,000 nucleated cells/microL, with < 2,000 neutrophils/microL and < 1,040 large mononuclear cells/microL. All but 1 had peritoneal fluid protein concentrations of > or = 2.5 g/dL. Peritoneal fluid of camelids generally contained slightly less glucose, lactate, and sodium and roughly equal concentrations of potassium and chloride as venous blood. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Peritoneal fluid was collected safely from healthy camelids. Compared with blood, peritoneal fluid usually had a low cell count and protein concentration, but some individuals had higher values. Electrolyte concentrations resembled those found in blood. High cell counts and protein concentrations found in peritoneal fluid of some healthy camelids may overlap with values found in diseased camelids, complicating interpretation of peritoneal fluid values.     

Acid-base balance parameters and ionic composition of arterial, venous and capillary blood in goats

The aim of the present study was to compare the acid-base balance parameters of arterial, venous and capillary blood in clinically healthy goats, and to determine the electrolyte content of venous and arterial blood. The experiment was performed on ten adult goats. It was found that the acid-base balance parameters of venous blood differed from those of arterial blood, whereas the parameters of capillary and arterial blood were similar. The levels of sodium and chloride ions in arterial and venous blood were similar, whereas the level of potassium ions was higher in venous blood.     

Haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin as determinants of inflammation in dogs.

Assay procedures for determining serum haptoglobin concentration and ceruloplasmin oxidase activity in dogs were validated, and reference values were established. Serum haptoglobin concentration is reported as milligrams per deciliter of cyanmethemoglobin binding capacity, whereas serum ceruloplasmin oxidase activity was determined by use of p-phenylenediamine as substrate. Both assays were used to analyze serum samples from 288 dogs. In each dog's case record, clinical history and final diagnosis were evaluated to determine whether the dog had an inflammatory condition. Complete blood cell counts were performed in 265 dogs, using simultaneously collected blood samples. Plasma fibrinogen concentration was determined for 161 dogs. A positive correlation (P less than 0.01) for serum haptoglobin concentration and for ceruloplasmin oxidase activity, compared with WBC counts, segmented neutrophil and band neutrophil counts, and plasma fibrinogen concentration. Ceruloplasmin oxidase activity and haptoglobin concentration were up to 6 times more sensitive than fibrinogen concentration or leukocyte counts in detecting inflammation. Specificity of ceruloplasmin oxidase activity was comparable to fibrinogen concentration and leukocyte counts, whereas haptoglobin concentration was found to be slightly less specific. Specificity of haptoglobin concentration improved slightly (from 0.82 to 0.88) when dogs with a history of glucocorticoid administration were excluded from analysis. Predictive value of a negative test result (haptoglobin concentration less than 125 mg/dl; ceruloplasmin oxidase activity less than 20 IU/L) and predictive value of a positive test result for haptoglobin concentration and ceruloplasmin activity were comparable to or better than fibrinogen concentration or various oxidase leukocyte counts in detection of inflammation in a variety of disease conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Mixed venous and arterial blood in bovine coccygeal vessel samples for blood gas analysis

Abstract: Bovine coccygeal (median, caudal) vessel samples are not always venous in origin but may be arterial or a mixture of venous and arterial blood. Results of blood gas analysis of blood samples collected from 39 cows were consistent with typical venous, mixed venous-arterial, or typical arterial blood. This observation was made while establishing reference intervals for a new blood gas instrument. The pO₂ and the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (SO₂) were most reflective of the amount of arterial blood contamination in the sample, but pCO₂ and pH also were altered. The pO₂ values ranged from 21 to 127 mm Hg, and SO₂ ranged from 35% to 100%. The mean pCO₂ in venous type samples was 46.3 mm Hg compared to 36.7 mm Hg in arterial type samples. The mean pH in venous type samples was 7.42 compared to 7.47 in arterial type samples.     

Evaluation of some coagulation parameters in hepatic coccidiosis experimentally induced with Eimeria stiedai in rabbits

The objective of this study was to evaluate some coagulation parameters in hepatic coccidiosis experimentally induced with Eimeria stiedai in rabbits. Fourteen healthy New Zealand rabbits were equally divided into two groups. One group received no treatment, the other group was orally inoculated with 40 000 sporulated oocysts of E. stiedai in a 1 ml inoculum using a catheter. At day 24 after inoculation, blood samples were collected into sodium citrate-containing tubes to evaluate some coagulation parameters. Although statistically not significant, infected rabbits had prolonged prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time compared with rabbits in the control group. A significant reduction (P < 0.05) was observed in the level of fibrinogen of infected rabbits compared with that of the controls. A slight decrease in thrombocyte counts of infected rabbits was not statistically significant.     

Effects of hyperosmolar ionic and low osmolar non-ionic contrast media on coagulation times and some blood parameters in dogs: an in vivo study

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of hyperosmolar ionic contrast media (CM) (diatrizoate) and low osmolar non-ionic CM (iohexol and ioxilan) on coagulation time and some blood parameters in dogs in vivo. The animals were divided into three groups in equal numbers. The dogs in groups I, II and III received diatrizoate, iohexol and ioxilan at the dose of 700 mgI/kg intravenously (IV) as a bolus, respectively. Administration of contrast media and blood samples were collected from vena cephalica antebrachii prior to CM administration and thereafter at 3, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 180 min and 24 h to measure the coagulation factors [activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothorombin time (PT), fibrinogen and fibrinogen degradation products] and some other blood parameters [red blood cells, platelet, white blood cells, haematocrit (Ht) and haemoglobin (Hb)]. While a statistically significant decrease was observed on APTT at 15 min in group III, no significant differences were found in groups I and II. All the groups had insignificant alterations for PT, fibrinogen and fibrinogen degradation product, following CM administration. Significant decreases were observed for platelet at 3 min in all groups. This decrease was also significant at 15- and 30- min intervals in group I. There were significant decreases for erythrocytes, Ht and Hb measurements within 30 min, and no significant alterations were observed for leucocytes within 60 min in all groups compared with baseline values. No differences were observed with regard to coagulation times and some blood parameters as far as long-lasting and major effects of each CM are concerned.     

Comparison of prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and fibrinogen concentration in blood samples collected via an intravenous catheter versus direct venipuncture in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To compare prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and fibrinogen concentration in canine blood samples collected via an indwelling IV catheter and direct venipuncture. ANIMALS: 35 dogs admitted to an intensive care unit that required placement of an IV catheter for treatment. PROCEDURES: Blood samples were collected via IV catheter and direct venipuncture at the time of catheter placement and 24 hours after catheter placement. Prothrombin time, APTT, and fibrinogen concentration were measured. RESULTS: 5 dogs were excluded from the study; results were obtained for the remaining 30 dogs. Agreement (bias) for PT was -0.327 seconds (limits of agreement, -1.350 to 0.696 seconds) and 0.003 seconds (limits of agreement, -1.120 to 1.127 seconds) for the 0- and 24-hour time points, respectively. Agreement for APTT was -0.423 seconds (limits of agreement, -3.123 to 2.276 seconds) and 0.677 seconds (limits of agreement, -3.854 to 5.207 seconds) for the 0- and 24-hour time points, respectively. Agreement for fibrinogen concentration was -2.333 mg/dL (limits of agreement, -80.639 to 75.973 mg/dL) and -1.767 mg/dL (limits of agreement, -50.056 to 46.523 mg/dL) for the 0- and 24-hour time points, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Agreement between the 2 techniques for sample collection was clinically acceptable for PT, APTT, and fibrinogen concentration at time 0 and 24 hours. It is often difficult or undesirable to perform multiple direct venipunctures in critically ill patients. Use of samples collected via an IV catheter to monitor PT and APTT can eliminate additional venous trauma and patient discomfort and reduce the volume of blood collected from these compromised patients.     

Clinical signs and hematologic,cytokine, and plasma nitric oxide alterations in response to Strongylus vulgaris infection in helminth-na?ve ponies

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of infection with Strongylus vulgaris on serum cytokines and plasma nitric oxide (NO) concentrations in helminth-naive ponies. Group 1 (n = 21) was given 500 S. vulgaris L3 larvae and group 2 (n = 7) received a saline control. Ponies were monitored daily for clinical signs, and blood was collected for complete blood cell counts and serum cytokines (TNF, IL-1, IL-6) quantification. Group 1 ponies were depressed, anorexic, and febrile for variable periods of time. Plasma NO was increased on day 21 in group 1 and on days 9 and 21 in group 2. Significant increases in total white blood cell counts, fibrinogen, and plasma protein concentrations in group 1 were found. Significant decreases in red blood cell counts and packed cell volume were also noted in group 1. There were no differences in serum cytokines across time in either group of ponies. Despite the lack of proinflammatory cytokine induction with the apparent inflammatory response to S. vulgaris there is evidence of a potential role of NO.     

Relation between biochemical parameters in the blood of cows and milk production

No differences in blood samples were found out when the biochemical parameters in arterial and venous blood of dairy cows were compared before and after milking. Negative correlation coefficient (r = -0.3460) approaching the significance level was determined by comparing the values for milk yield on the day of sampling (in ascending phase of lactation) and protein content in venous blood after milking, and significant negative correlation coefficient (r = -0.3813) for daily milk yield and gamma-globulin concentration in venous blood before milking. The relationship between butterfat content on the day of milking and the values of alkaline phosphatase can be characterized by significant up to highly significant negative correlation coefficients in all three blood samples (r = -0.3232 to -0.3908).     

Acute phase protein response in dogs with experimentally induced gastric mucosal injury

Background: The acute phase response is part of the innate defense system of an animal against trauma, inflammation, and infection. Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the acute phase response in dogs with acetylsalicylic acid-induced gastric mucosal injuries and to determine its potential diagnostic significance. Methods: Ten, healthy, cross-breed dogs (6 females and 4 males) were given oral acetylsalicylic acid in a single oral dose of 200 mg/kg for the experimental model of acute gastric mucosal injury. Heparinized blood samples were collected before (day 0) and on days 1, 4, and 7 after acetylsalicylic acid administration to determine plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid-A (SAA), haptoglobin, fibrinogen, total protein, albumin, and iron concentrations. Total WBC counts were done in whole blood. Endoscopy was done on each of the selected days, and gastric lesions were scored and localized. Results: Hemorrhagic linear erosions were found in all dogs on day 1, concurrent with significant increases in CRP, SAA, haptoglobin, and fibrinogen concentrations, and in WBC counts; however, iron concentration was decreased. Peak haptoglobin and fibrinogen concentrations occurred on day 4, at which time only nonhemorrhagic lesions were observed endoscopically. On day 7, results for all analytes except haptoglobin had returned to baseline levels, along with resolution of most gastric lesions. Conclusions: Results of this study indicate that a rapid acute phase protein response occurs after induced gastric mucosal injury in dogs and may be potentially useful together with gastroscopy in the diagnosis and monitoring of gastric injury.     

Usefulness of Venous Blood in Estimating Acid-Base Status of the Seriously III Dog

The usefulness of venous blood in determining the acid-base status of seriously ill animals has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a useful relationship exists between the acid-base parameters of central venous and arterial blood in ill dogs.
Paired arterial and venous blood samples were obtained from 46 dogs seen in the Critical Care Unit of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Colorado State University irregardless of their hemodynamic status. Cardiopulmonary arrest patients were not included in the study.
Results of this study indicate venous blood samples can be used in the assessment of acid-base status. Statistical significance was seen in comparing arterial versus venous pH (P < 0.001), PCO2 (P < 0.001), and bicarbonate (P < 0.001). Linear regression equations will allow one to predict arterial values from venous samples.     

Differences in total protein concentration, nucleated cell count, and red blood cell count among sequential samples of cerebrospinal fluid from horses

OBJECTIVE: To examine total protein concentration and cell counts of sequentially collected samples of CSF to determine whether blood contamination decreases in subsequent samples and whether formulas used to correct nucleated cell count and total protein concentration are accurate. DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: 22 horses. PROCEDURE: For each horse, 3 or 4 sequential 2-ml samples of CSF were collected from the subarachnoid space in the lumbosacral region into separate syringes, and blood was obtained from the jugular vein. Total protein concentration, nucleated cell count, and RBC counts were determined in all samples. RESULTS: Among 3 sequential samples, total protein concentration and RBC count were significantly lower in samples 2 and 3, compared with sample 1. Nucleated cell count was significantly lower in sample 3, compared with sample 1. Among 4 sequential samples, total protein concentration and RBC count were significantly lower in samples 2, 3, and 4, compared with sample 1. Nucleated cell count was significantly lower in samples 3 and 4, compared with sample 1. For 3 correction formulas, significant differences in corrected values for nucleated cell count and total protein concentration were detected between sample 1 and sample 3 or 4. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Because iatrogenic blood contamination decreases in sequential CSF samples, a minimum of 3 samples should be collected before submitting the final sample for analysis. Formulas to correct nucleated cell count and total protein concentration are inaccurate and should not be used to correct for blood contamination in CSF samples.     

An apparatus for collecting blood samples by radiotelemetry from horses during exercise

An apparatus was designed to collect four consecutive blood samples from exercising horses. The collection of each sample was controlled by valves activated by radiotelemetry signals transmitted by an observer. Using the device, venous blood samples were collected from ten thoroughbred racehorses before, during and after a 400 m training gallop. Blood glucose increased markedly post-exercise. Both phosphorus and potassium concentrations increased during exercise, decreased post-exercise and recovered to pre-exercise levels within 120 minutes. The system was modified to collect anaerobic samples of arterial and venous blood, and the efficiency of the modified system was investigated in a standing conscious horse. Blood gas values of samples collected by means of the apparatus were compared with those collected manually and simultaneously, directly from the neck of the intravascular catheter. For eight pairs of arterial and venous samples, the coefficients "r" were 0.998 and 0.997 for PO2 and PCO2 respectively. It was concluded that the system worked efficiently and that the anaerobic sealing of the modified version was adequate.     

Cryptosporidiosis in newborn calves in Ankara region: clinical, haematological findings and treatment with Lasalocid-NA

In the first part of the present study, a total of 109 faeces samples collected from calves suffering from diarrhoea were examined for Cryptosporidium parvum oocytes and 39 (35.8%) of them were found to be positive. On the basis of oocyte counts, 14 (36%) samples were assessed as mildly infected and 25 (64%) samples as heavily infected. The occurrence of the disease was more common in winter (56.4%) than during other seasons (autuma 0%, summer 15.4% spring 28.2%. In the present study, the ionophore polyetherantibiotic Lasalocid-Na, that is licensed as a feed additive (Bovatec, 15% Lasalocid-Na, Roche AG) in Turkey, was administered to 11 calves naturally infected with Cryptosporidium and its therapeutic effect was evaluated. Lasalocid-Na (8 mg/ kg BW) was given once daily for 3 days added to the milk. The clinical parameters of infected calves were evaluated before and 3 days after the treatment in 24 hour intervals. The oocyst counts of faeces of calves with cryptosporidiosis were between 15 x 10(6) and 96 x 10(6)/mL before treatment. No oocystes were found in faecal samples of 3 calves (27.3%) after 48 hours and 4 (40%) calves after 72 hours of treatment, respectively. The number of oocytes in the faeces of the remaining calves varied between 90 and 1.2 x 10(6)/mL during the respective period. The number of oocystes before treatment was significantly higher than the number of oocytes after treatment. One of the calves died 56 h after the first treatment despite the treatment. The pH of venous blood was decreased prior to treatment as expected. The lowest pH was 6.83, the lowest bicarbonate concentration was 3.80 mmol/l and the lowest base excess was -31.2 mmol/l. After the treatment, pH, pCO2, HCO3- and BE values of the venous blood increased significantly and reached physiological values before discharge. The differences between the values assessed before the treatment and at the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th sampling time were statistically significant. Number of leucocyte and haemoglobin concentration before the treatment were significantly higher than the values after treatment (p < 0.01). These values returned back to physiological ranges 72 hours after first treatment. Lasalocid-Na was rather well tolerated. Side effects such as the decline of the suckling reflex and intoxication symptoms in respect to present administration form and dosage were found only in one calf (9%). Treatment procedure in the present study with Lasalocid-Na was found to be suitable in combination with an adequate infusion therapy for the treatment of calves on farms with problems related to cryptosporidiosis. Although the use of Lasolacid-Na for the treatment of Cryptosporidium infection in the EU is banned, it might be used as an alternative drug outside of the EU since it has a successful effect for preventing reinfections.