Overview

• 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.

Sampling

Tests

Methodologies

• Measures total carbon dioxide released when sample mixed with a strong acid.

Availability

• Widely available in commercial laboratories.

Technique (intrinsic) limitations

• Test results only significant in conjunction with other laboratory results in clinical findings.

Result Data

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed Papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.

Other sources of information

• Varga M (2014) Ed. Rabbit Basic Science. In: Textbook of Rabbit Medicine. 2nd edn. Elsevier, UK. pp 3-110.
• Wesche P (2014) Clinical Pathology. In: Manaual of Rabbit Medicine. Eds: Meredith A & Lord B. BSAVA. pp 124-137.
• Saunders R A & Reese Davies R (2005) Common Laboratory Abnormalities. In: Notes of Rabbi int Me. Blackwell Publishing, UK. pp 69-88