Anion Gap
Posted: Tuesday, August 31st, 2021 | Updated: Monday, February 7th, 2022
Posted: Tuesday, August 31st, 2021 | Updated: Monday, February 7th, 2022
Canine Normal Values:
16.3-28.6
Feline Normal Values:
12-24
Significance:
Used in the assessment unmeasured cations and anions
Increases in Values:
May help support the diagnosis of metabolic acidosis caused by ketoacidosis or lactic acidosis, but not by renal tubular acidosis which may have a normal anion gap
Increased Gap Values: >25
Decreases in Values:
Decreased values may be caused by low albumin levels, hypercalcemia, or certain gammopathies such as myeloma
Note:
The anion gap is calculated by using the following formula: (Na – [Cl + HCO3-]). The unmeasured cations include Ca and Mg. The unmeasured anions include Proteins, Sulfates, Phosphates, Lactates, Ketoacids, Ethylene Glycol Metabolites, and Salicylates. False high and low anion gaps occur due to numerous causes
16.3-28.6
Feline Normal Values:
12-24
Significance:
Used in the assessment unmeasured cations and anions
Increases in Values:
May help support the diagnosis of metabolic acidosis caused by ketoacidosis or lactic acidosis, but not by renal tubular acidosis which may have a normal anion gap
Increased Gap Values: >25
Decreases in Values:
Decreased values may be caused by low albumin levels, hypercalcemia, or certain gammopathies such as myeloma
Note:
The anion gap is calculated by using the following formula: (Na – [Cl + HCO3-]). The unmeasured cations include Ca and Mg. The unmeasured anions include Proteins, Sulfates, Phosphates, Lactates, Ketoacids, Ethylene Glycol Metabolites, and Salicylates. False high and low anion gaps occur due to numerous causes
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.