Acid Base Status
Posted: Tuesday, January 11th, 2022 | Updated: Sunday, January 15th, 2023
Posted: Tuesday, January 11th, 2022 | Updated: Sunday, January 15th, 2023
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Normal pH values are generally between 7.35 and 7.45 while bicarbonate values hover anywhere from 18 to 26 mEq/L in dogs and 17 to 23 mEq/L in cats. pCO2 values range anywhere from 32 to 44 mmHg in dogs and up to 50 mmHg in venous blood samples. In cats, pCO2 values typically range from 28 to 32 mmHg and up to 45 mmHg in venous blood samples
pH values greater than 7.45 indicate alkalosis and values less than 7.35 indicate acidosis
High bicarbonate levels trend toward alkalosis and low bicarbonate levels trend toward acidosis
High pCO2 levels trend toward acidosis and low CO2 levels trend toward alkalosis
It's imperative that acidemia be treated when the pH is less than 7.20, bicarbonate is less than 12 mEq/L, and/or base deficit is less than -10 mEq/L. Values causing acidemia may have a negative impact on normal cellular protein structure and function
Acidosis and alkalosis may be compensated or uncompensated and metabolic or respiratory in origin
Further Reading: Arterial Blood Gas Sampling, Blood Gas Evaluation
Normal pH values are generally between 7.35 and 7.45 while bicarbonate values hover anywhere from 18 to 26 mEq/L in dogs and 17 to 23 mEq/L in cats. pCO2 values range anywhere from 32 to 44 mmHg in dogs and up to 50 mmHg in venous blood samples. In cats, pCO2 values typically range from 28 to 32 mmHg and up to 45 mmHg in venous blood samples
pH values greater than 7.45 indicate alkalosis and values less than 7.35 indicate acidosis
High bicarbonate levels trend toward alkalosis and low bicarbonate levels trend toward acidosis
High pCO2 levels trend toward acidosis and low CO2 levels trend toward alkalosis
It's imperative that acidemia be treated when the pH is less than 7.20, bicarbonate is less than 12 mEq/L, and/or base deficit is less than -10 mEq/L. Values causing acidemia may have a negative impact on normal cellular protein structure and function
Acidosis and alkalosis may be compensated or uncompensated and metabolic or respiratory in origin
Further Reading: Arterial Blood Gas Sampling, Blood Gas Evaluation
Sources:
Ford, Richard B., and Elisa M. Mazzaferro. Kirk and Bistner's Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment. 8th ed., Saunders Elsevier, 2006.
Ford, Richard B., and Elisa M. Mazzaferro. Kirk and Bistner's Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment. 8th ed., Saunders Elsevier, 2006.