State of Acid-base Balance in Dehydrated Camels ( Camelus dromedarius )

摘要

There is a lack of information pertaining to the normal levels of acid-base parameters and the effects of dehydration on the acid-base balance in camels. The effect of water deprivation on acid-base balance was studied using five (2-years old) male dromedary camels. The camels were deprived of water for 7 days. Respiratory rate and blood gases were determined before the commencement and at the end of water deprivation period and during the first 48 h post rehydration. Blood pH did not differ significantly (p = 0.14) due to water deprivation in camels. However, respiratory rate was significantly (p = 0.001) elevated, while blood partial pressure of CO₂ (pCO₂), total CO₂ (tCO₂) and bicarbonate (HCO₃^-) were significantly (p2 which may be the result of an accelerated respiratory rate.