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Related Concept Videos

Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis01:24

Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis

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Diagnosing acid-base imbalances involves systematically analyzing arterial blood samples, focusing on three key measurements: pH, bicarbonate (HCO3−) concentration, and carbon dioxide partial pressure (PCO2). This analysis follows a four-step process that helps identify the imbalance's underlying cause and nature.
First, the pH level is assessed to determine whether the blood pH is normal (7.35–7.45), low (acidosis), or high (alkalosis).
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Disorders of Acid-Base Balance01:29

Disorders of Acid-Base Balance

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The human body maintains a precise pH range of arterial blood between 7.35 and 7.45. Deviations result in either acidosis (pH < 7.35) or alkalosis (pH > 7.45). These conditions are further classified as respiratory or metabolic disorders based on their underlying cause.
Respiratory Acidosis and Alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis occurs due to an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide PCO2 in the blood. It often arises from shallow breathing or impaired gas exchange caused by...
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Compensation Mechanisms01:28

Compensation Mechanisms

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The human body employs intricate mechanisms to counteract changes in blood pH, preventing conditions like acidosis (pH < 7.35) and alkalosis (pH > 7.45). These compensatory responses aim to restore normal arterial blood pH by engaging respiratory or renal systems, depending on the source of the imbalance.
Respiratory Compensation
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Acid-Base Balance01:25

Acid-Base Balance

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The human body maintains a narrow pH range regulated through acid-base balance. This balance is crucial as changes in the hydrogen ion concentration can disrupt cell membrane stability, alter protein structures, and change enzyme activities. The normal pH of arterial blood is 7.4, venous blood and interstitial fluid is 7.35, and intracellular fluid averages 7.0.
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Bicarbonate-Carbonic Acid Buffer01:22

Bicarbonate-Carbonic Acid Buffer

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The carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system is critical for maintaining the body's pH balance. It operates on the equilibrium:
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Respiratory Regulation of Acid-Base Balance01:18

Respiratory Regulation of Acid-Base Balance

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Respiratory compensation is a vital physiological process that stabilizes blood plasma pH by regulating the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), a key determinant of pH levels. Most carbon dioxide in the blood dissolves and converts into carbonic acid (H2CO3). It dissociates into hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3⁻). There is also an inverse relationship between PCO2​​ and pH.
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Measurement and Analysis of Extracellular Acid Production to Determine Glycolytic Rate
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Quick Reference on Metabolic Alkalosis.

Rodrigo Cardoso Rabelo1, Helio Autran de Morais2

  • 1Department of Emergency and Critical Care, Intensivet Veterinary Consulting.

The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Small Animal Practice
|October 24, 2025
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Metabolic alkalosis in small animals involves high blood pH and bicarbonate, often from vomiting or diuretics. Treatment requires addressing the cause and correcting electrolyte imbalances like chloride and potassium.

Keywords:
Acid-base disordersBase deficitBicarbonateHypoalbuminemiaHypochloremiaMetabolic alkalosis

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Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Small Animal Internal Medicine
  • Acid-Base Physiology

Background:

  • Metabolic alkalosis is a common acid-base disorder in small animals.
  • It is characterized by elevated blood pH and serum bicarbonate levels.
  • Frequent causes include vomiting, diuretic use, and hypoalbuminemia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of metabolic alkalosis in small animals.
  • To differentiate between chloride-responsive and chloride-resistant forms of the condition.
  • To outline current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of metabolic alkalosis in veterinary medicine.
  • Analysis of diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols.
  • Discussion of underlying etiologies and their impact on management.

Main Results:

  • Metabolic alkalosis is often secondary to other conditions.
  • Distinguishing chloride-responsive from resistant forms guides treatment.
  • Fluid therapy and electrolyte correction (chloride, potassium) are key.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate diagnosis and identification of the primary cause are crucial for successful management.
  • Restoring circulatory volume and electrolyte balance is essential for normalizing acid-base status.
  • Preventing complications requires careful monitoring and prompt intervention.