Pyometra in the dog--a pathophysiological investigation. VI: Acid-base status and serum electrolytes.

Arterial pH, oxygen and carbon dioxide tensions, and standard bicarbonate, as well as serum electrolytes (Na, Cl, K, inorganic P, Ca and anion gap) have been investigated in bitches with pyometra. A respiratory alkalosis was a common finding in the patients, and a smaller group showed a metabolic acidosis of mixed origin superimposed on the respiratory alkalosis. In this group 4 out of 9 patients died. In addition, the patients showed moderate electrolyte disturbances indicating a "sick cell syndrome" and a mild to severe renal dysfunction.