Osmolal and anion gaps in dogs with acute endotoxic shock

Serum osmolalities, biochemical concentrations, osmolal and anion gaps, blood lactate concentrations, and acid base status were evaluated in anesthetized, healthy control dogs and in dogs with endotoxic shock. The osmolal gap was not affected by endotoxemia. Compared with control dogs, dogs with endotoxic shock had mildly, though insignificantly, increased anion gaps and significantly increased blood lactate concentrations. The anion gap in dogs with endotoxic shock was positively (r = 0.77) and significantly correlated with the blood lactate concentration. Therefore, the blood lactate concentration of a dog in endotoxic shock may be estimated by use of the equation: lactate = 0.27 (anion gap) - 1.46. Confidence limits for this estimation were calculated. Dogs with endotoxic shock developed a lactic acidosis and hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis, with hyperventilation.