Blood biochemistry: bicarbonate

• The renal regulation of acid-base balance in rabbits is different in comparison to other species.
• Rabbits have a limited ability to transfer hydrogen or bicarbonate ions between blood and urine.
• Some metabolic pathways that are present in other species are absent or restricted.
• Rabbits therefore have a reduced ability to cope with distubances to acid: base balance.
• A large bicarbonate load can reach the kidney of rabbits as a result of bacterial fermentation in the gut and from tissue metabolism of acetate.
• In other species, bicarbonate is neutralized by the products of ureagenesis and alkalosis is avoided, however in rabbits, insufficient ammonium may be available from tissue metabolism to neutralize bicarbonate.

Uses

Alone

• Alkalosis.
• Acidosis.

In combination

• With blood-gas analysis and other electrolytes for characterization of acid-base status.