Blood Gases and Acid—Base Status in Awake Dogs

Abstract

Forty-eight blood samples from twelve animals were obtained througha cathete r in the femoral artery. Analysis yielded the following mean values; pH 7-37, PaCO , 35-9 mmHg , Pa0 2 84 mmH g and base excess (BE) -3- 5 mEq/l, haemoglobin 13 g/'100 ml, heart rate 84/min, and arterial blood pressure 150/78 mmHg . These findings revealed a low blood bicarbonate with carbon dioxide content and a low pH relative to man. It is uggested that these observations should be taken into consideration in dogs being used for experimental research related to man.