Acid-base status and electrolyte concentrations in 32 dogs with parvoviral enteritis

Abstract

A total of 32 dogs with clinical signs compatible with parvoviral enteritis were collected and blood pH, 02 and C02 partial pressure, bicarbonate and hemoglobin concentrations and hemoglobin saturation were measured. Sodium and potassium concentrations were also determined by photometry in the serum of venous blood samples. Acidemia, due to metabolic acidosis, was the most common abnormality, found in 17/32 animals. Alkalemia, attributed to respiratory alkalosis, was seen only in 3 dogs. Nine animals with atrerial blood pH found to be within normal limits had low bicarbonate concetration and reduced C02 partial pressure. This discrepancy could be attributed to the development of compensatory mechanisms or a mixed acid-base disorder. Hypokalemia (2/32) or hyperkalemia (2/32) were not a common finding, compared to hyponatremia (5/32) and hypernatremia (12/32).