Acid‐base disorders in sick goats and their association with mortality: A simplified strong ion difference approach

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the acid-base status of sick goats using the simplified strong ion difference (sSID) approach, to establish the quantitative contribution of sSID variables to changes in blood pH and HCO 3 − and to determine whether clinical, acid-base, and biochemical variables on admission are associated with the mortality of sick goats. Animals: One hundred forty-three sick goats. Methods: Retrospective study. Calculated sSID variables included SID using 6 electrolytes unmeasured strong ions (USI) and the total nonvolatile buffer ion concentration in plasma (A tot). The relationship between measured blood pH and HCO 3 − , and the sSID variables was examined using forward stepwise linear regression. Cox proportional hazard models were constructed to assess associations between potential predictor variables and mortality of goats during hospitalization. Results: Hypocapnia, hypokalemia, hyperchloremia, hyperlactatemia, and hyperproteinemia were common abnormalities identified in sick goats. Respiratory alkalosis, strong ion acidosis, and A tot acidosis were acid-base disorders frequently encountered in sick goats. In sick goats, the sSID variables explained 97% and 100% of the changes in blood pH and HCO 3 − , respectively. The results indicated that changes in the respiratory rate (<16 respirations per minute), USI, and pH at admission were associated with increased hazard of hospital mortality in sick goats. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The sSID approach is a useful methodology to quantify acid-base disorders in goats and to determine the mechanisms of their development. Clinicians should consider calculation of USI in sick goats as part of the battery of information required to establish prognosis.

Acid‐base imbalances and the association of blood‐gas variables, electrolytes, and biochemical analytes with outcome in hospitalized calves undergoing abdominal surgery

“…Also, metabolites such as pyruvate, as observed in cows with abomasal volvulus, 42 or ß‐hydroxybutyrate might have contributed to the USI concentration. Unidentified strong anions are a well‐known feature of critically ill animals and humans 11 , 13 , 43 , 44 , 45 and some studies have documented an association between increased USI concentrations and the presence of endotoxemia, sepsis, and inflammatory cytokines. 46 , 47 , 48 Taken together, the associations of AG to L‐lactate, phosphorus, USI, and pH, likely makes AG a global indicator of tissue hypoxia, acidemia, and hydration status and therefore a clinically useful predictor of a negative postoperative outcome in this multivariable approach.…”

Effects of Low Dietary Cation and Anion Difference on Blood Gas, Renal Electrolyte, and Acid Excretions in Goats in Tropical Conditions

“…Our results suggest that HTa increased the core temperature, activated evaporative heat dissipation, and apparently maintained the intravascular fluid volume. Although blood gas parameters during the pretreatment period were maintained within the normal range [ 17 , 20 ], there was a tendency for hypocapnia due to the breathing effect in the afternoon HTa. Importantly, the present degree of ΔTa did not increase the plasma cortisol levels, suggesting that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis was not activated [ 18 ].…”

“…Supplementation of feed with ammonium chloride lowered the value of DCAD to less than zero in the present investigation. Under this l-DCAD feeding regimen for seven days, blood gas parameters were maintained within the normal range [ 17 , 20 ]. However, there were significant differences in all these parameters compared to the control feeding regimen ( Table 3 ).…”

Pregnancy Toxemia in Ewes: A Review of Molecular Metabolic Mechanisms and Management Strategies

“…Blood pH, pCO 2 values, HCO 3 - levels, and blood BE and K + concentrations are significantly lower in dead goats than in surviving ones [ 94 ]. There was an explanation for hypokalemia, in part because the goats did not eat and so did not obtain enough dietary K. Pregnancy toxemia is often accompanied by acidosis, which may be associated with elevated unmeasured strong ions in goats [ 95 ]. Hypocalcemia can also occur with pregnancy toxemia [ 96 ].…”