Acid-base and electrolyte values in dogs with acute gastric dilatation-volvulus

Twenty dogs with acute gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) and 37 clinically normal dogs had arterial blood drawn for analysis of pH and blood gases. There was no statistically significant difference between values from the 2 groups. By calculation of the anion gap and by assessing arterial bicarbonate concentration, it appeared there were concomitant and offsetting factors, resulting in normal values for pH, blood gases, and anion gap in dogs with GDV. The results obtained indicated that sodium bicarbonate therapy should not be used in dogs with GDV.