Ahmet Cihat TUNÇ, Sercan Hüseyin Bayendur
This study aimed to comparatively evaluate alterations in homocysteine, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), blood gas, electrolyte, and acid-base parameters in diarrheic calves during the neonatal period relative to healthy calves, and to investigate the relationships among these parameters. Within the scope of the study, blood samples obtained from a total of 40 calves, comprising 20 diarrheic and 20 healthy animals, were analyzed using hematological, blood gas, and ELISA methodologies. Upon examining the findings, bicarbonate (〖"HCO" 〗_3^-) and base excess (BE) values were observed to be significantly lower, whereas the anion gap (AG) value was higher in the diarrheic group compared to the control group. It was determined that 〖"pCO" 〗_2 levels, reflecting acid-base compensation, decreased in the diarrheic group, and blood pH values were detected to be statistically significantly lower in the diarrheic group than in the control group (p=0.020). Regarding electrolyte levels, no significant difference was identified between the groups. Furthermore, the NLR, a systemic inflammation indicator, increased prominently in diarrheic calves; conversely, homocysteine levels were lower compared to healthy calves, and a positive correlation was identified between homocysteine and BE. In conclusion, it is indicated that metabolic acidosis and systemic inflammation develop at the cellular level in diarrheic calves; however, despite the compensatory respiratory response provided by the decreased 〖"pCO" 〗_2, the blood pH value could not be stabilized, leading to a clinical acidemia profile. Accompanied by an electrolyte profile suggesting that renal perfusion was preserved, the lower homocysteine levels are evaluated to potentially stem from the suppression of this molecule's synthesis by the tissue-level acidosis profile.