Changes in the levels of plasma electrolytes and glucose in severe artificially induced acidosis in Merino sheep

Abstract

Severe acidosis was induced in wethers by the infusion of mineral and organic acids. No clinical signs apart from slight panting, were observed despite a fall in plasma glucose levels which occurred either spontaneously during the infusion of acetoacetic acid, or artificially following administration of insulin in conjunction with hydrochloric acid infusions. It is suggested that acidosis per se is not immediately responsible for the induction of the nervous symptoms displayed by sheep suffering from pregnancy disease.