Open AccessAcid‐base disorders in sick goats and their association with mortality: A simplified strong ion difference approach
Author(s) -
Gomez Diego E.,
Bedford Sofia,
Darby Shan,
Palmisano Megan,
MacKay Robert J.,
Renaud David L.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of veterinary internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.356
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1939-1676
pISSN - 0891-6640
DOI - 10.1111/jvim.15956
Subject(s) - medicine , anion gap , hypokalemia , hyperlactatemia , acidosis , hazard ratio , alkalosis , proportional hazards model , acid–base imbalance , gastroenterology , confidence interval
Objectives To investigate the acid‐base status of sick goats using the simplified strong ion difference ( s SID) approach, to establish the quantitative contribution of s SID 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 s SID 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 s SID 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 s SID 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 s SID 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.