Adrenalectomy of the Calf and Its Effects on Various Blood Constituents

Surgical adrenalectomy was successfully performed in calves without suturing the wall of the vena cava, by using a special forceps to facilitate removal of the gland. Maintenance of adrenalectomized calves was possible under controlled conditions, with the intramuscular injection of 25 mg. cortisone acetate or 5 rag. prednisone plus 5 mg. desoxycorticosterone acetate per 100 lb. body weight, daily or every other day. Calves were also maintained in an apparently normal state without steroid therapy by the free-choice feeding of salt, which was consumed at a rate about four times that of the normal calf.