Effect of metabolic disorders accompanying gastroenteritis on the pancreatic exocrine function in piglets. A. Metabolic disturbances in piglets with gastroenteritis.

The study were performed on 90 piglets of both sexes, divided into two groups, i.e. control, consisting of 30 healthy animals, and experimental, including 60 piglets with symptoms of gastroenteritis. Clinical, hematological and biochemical tests were performed in all the animals at the age of 21 and 35 days, and 7 days after weaning. Hematological investigations included the determination of Hb, Ht, Erys, Lkcs, MCHC and MCV. Biochemical analyses allowed to determine the serum activity of ALT, ALP, LDH and its isoenzymes, the serum level of Na+, K+ and Cl-, as well as the serum content of glucose, cholesterol and total protein. Indices of the acid-base equilibrium were determined in whole blood. The results obtained show that anemia and a tendency towards metabolic acidosis observed in healthy piglets may have a negative effect on homeostasis. Hypotonic dehydration, metabolic acidosis and energy deficits found in piglets with gastroenteritis may cause damage of some organs including the liver and pancreas. It was also found that isoenzymatic separation of LDH together with indices of the so called hepatic profile may be helpful to diagnose hepatocellular damage.