[The blood gas status in bitches with pyometra-endometritis complex]

The blood gas status of 52 bitches presented with pyometra-endometritis complex was examined. Nine healthy bitches with a normal sexual cycle served as control group. Depending on the clinical symptoms, the sick bitches were divided into two groups (A and B). Compared to the control group, both test groups showed significant differences in pH, HCO3 and base excess levels. A correlation between the severity of disease and the decreasing pH level was noted. The disturbance of acid-base balance also resulted in respiratory and metabolic acidosis. A high proportion of these acidotic states was not compensated (group A: 71.4%; group B: 50.0%).