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Lactate in veterinary critical care: pathophysiology and management
1Department of Anaesthesia, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Companion Animal Clinic, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada.
Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
|September 8, 2007
Summary
Blood lactate measurement is vital for diagnosing and monitoring critical conditions in both humans and animals. This review covers lactate physiology, clinical applications, and treatment strategies for lactic acidosis in small animal critical care.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Clinical Pathology
- Critical Care
Background:
- Blood lactate measurement is a key diagnostic and prognostic tool in human medicine.
- Its application in small animal critical care is expanding, with growing evidence supporting its utility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of lactate physiology and pathophysiology.
- To outline indications and the value of lactate measurement in veterinary critical care.
- To explore novel applications and provide therapeutic guidelines for lactic acidosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on lactate in small animals.
- Synthesis of information on lactate production, acidosis, and clinical applications.
- Compilation of current therapeutic approaches for lactic acidosis.
Main Results:
- Lactate measurement aids in diagnosing, monitoring, and predicting outcomes in various clinical syndromes.
- Established utility in critical care settings for small animals.
- Emerging applications in evaluating cavitary effusions.
Conclusions:
- Lactate measurement is an increasingly important tool in small animal critical care.
- Understanding lactate metabolism is crucial for effective patient management.
- Therapeutic strategies for lactic acidosis are essential for improving patient prognosis.
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