Environmental and bioethical standards for the treatment of Metabolic acidosis in wild animals: Experience with the use of sodium bicarbonate

The article presents the results of a study on the effectiveness of the veterinary drug ‘Acidostop’ (60 mg/ml sodium bicarbonate) in treating metabolic acidosis in European fallow deer (Dama dama) in semi-free conditions. The study was conducted in aviaries on a private farm, utilizing both clinical and laboratory methods. Typical symptoms of acidosis, such as depression, diarrhea, and dehydration, were successfully alleviated within three to seven days of treatment. A comparative analysis with a 5% sodium bicarbonate solution revealed that ‘Acidostop’ has comparable therapeutic efficacy, is well tolerated, and does not cause adverse effects. The study was conducted in accordance with the requirements of GLP, GCP, and in compliance with the European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals. Special attention was paid to bioethical aspects: minimizing stress, environmental safety, and humane treatment of animals. The drug is officially registered in Ukraine for use in European fallow deer, has no analogues outside the country, which emphasizes its scientific novelty. The study has practical significance for ecology and veterinary medicine in conditions of semi-free keeping of wild animals. It is also a valuable teaching material for the educational programs ‘Ecology’, ‘Veterinary Medicine’, and ‘Zoophysiotherapy’. The results obtained contribute to the formation of an environmentally responsible approach to the treatment of animals among students