Reference Values of Arterial Gases and Electrolytes in Canines from the Bogota Savanna

Abstract

Due to the lack of arterial gas values that meet our environmental conditions and the wide variety of out-of-date data in literature and used in everyday practice, obtained with different heights, breeds and equipment to the ones available in our context, it becomes necessary to generate our own knowledge adjusted to our reality. A random systematic measurement of arterial and venous blood was made on 100 healthy canines in the Bogota Savanna (Chia: 2652 m.a.s.l.; Cajica: 2558 m.a.s.l.; Sopo: 2650 m.a.s.l.; La Calera: 2718 m.a.s.l.; and Bogota: 2630 m.a.s.l.;), using the I-STAT^® analyzer with EG7+ cartridge. Reference values were found for gasometry, electrolytes, effective basis and pH. The values were compared between four groups by weight. Descriptive statistics were made for each parameter based on average, standard deviation and standard error, and the trust limits (95%) and the intervals with standard deviation (one and two deviations) were found. A decrease on PCO₂, PO₂, SO₂, bicarbonate and BE was evident. The pH was found to be slightly increased, similar to the one reported by authors at great heights and different (not statistically confirmed) from reports in literature, where height was not a variable. Even so, they are frequently used as reference in the practice of small animals; only PO₂ presented statistical differences by groups of weight. As a conclusion, effective regulation of blood pH was evident at 2600 m.a.s.l., with different bicarbonate values, PCO₂, PO₂, BE, which suggest the need to obtain and use reference values consistent with local conditions.