Estimates bicarbonate deficit using weight, target and current bicarbonate, and a selected distribution factor.
Formula
value = weight * distribution * (target_bicarbonate-current_bicarbonate); grams = value/12
What this calculator does
Estimates bicarbonate deficit using weight, target and current bicarbonate, and a selected distribution factor.
Clinical use
Bicarbonate treatment is not automatically indicated by a calculated deficit; address the cause and monitor ventilation, electrolytes and acid–base status.
Important limitations
Partial correction followed by reassessment is safer than assuming the full calculated deficit should be given immediately.
References
- Veterinary fluid-therapy references describe bicarbonate deficit as weight × distribution factor × concentration difference.