Clinical decision support
Bicarbonate deficit calculator
Calculate bicarbonate replacement dose for metabolic acidosis in dogs and cats.
Assumptions & advanced settings
Default 0.3 is standard for dogs and cats. Adjust for special cases if needed.
Safety checks
- This tool supports calculation and education only.
- It does not diagnose, prescribe, or replace clinical references.
- Verify with current formularies and hospital protocols.
- Do NOT correct entire deficit at once — use half-correction principle.
Basis and limits
- Formula: Deficit (mEq) = 0.3 × kg × (desired HCO₃⁻ − current HCO₃⁻).
- Half-correction: Standard practice to avoid overcorrection.
- NaHCO₃ 8.4%: 1 mEq/mL — commonly stocked in emergency settings.
- NaHCO₃ 7.5%: 0.89 mEq/mL — alternative concentration.
- Scope: Dogs and cats. Does not replace blood gas interpretation.
Formula
Total deficit: factor × weight (kg) × (desired − current)
Half-correction: total deficit ÷ 2
Volume 8.4%: half-correction ÷ 1.0 mEq/mL
Volume 7.5%: half-correction ÷ 0.89 mEq/mL