Table 1 Guide to assessing the degree of acidosis based on posture, behaviour and palpebral reflex of the calf (adapted from[85])
| Â | Category | BE (mmol/l) |
|---|---|---|
Posture | Calf standing up by itself | -2.2 |
| Â | Calf standing up after encouragement | 0.0 |
| Â | Standing steadily after lifting | 2.8 |
| Â | Standing unsteadily, able to correct position if forced | -11.7 |
| Â | Standing unsteadily, unable to correct position if forced | -20.6 |
| Â | Unable to stand, sternal recumbency | -20.9 |
| Â | Unable to stand, lateral recumbency | -25.4 |
Behaviour | Adequate reaction to acoustic and optical stimuli, very bright and alert | 2.5 |
| Â | Adequate reaction to acoustic and optical stimuli | 1.8 |
| Â | Delayed reaction to acoustic and optical stimuli | -14.6 |
| Â | Calf reacts only to painful stimuli | -21.0 |
| Â | No reaction to painful stimuli | -25.4 |
Palpebral reflex | Eyelids are closed immediately and fully | 0.7 |
| Â | Eyelids are closed immediately but not fully | -7.6 |
| Â | Eyelids are closed with delay and not fully | -19.9 |
| Â | Eyelids are not closed at all | -24.3 |