Clinical judgment required. This calculator is a decision-support tool, not a substitute for veterinary consultation.

Bicarbonate Deficit CalculatorCanineFeline

Calculate bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) deficit and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) dosing for metabolic acidosis in dogs and cats. Uses the standard veterinary formula: deficit (mEq) = 0.3 × body weight (kg) × (target HCO₃ − measured HCO₃). The 0.3 factor represents the bicarbonate distribution space (30% of body weight as extracellular fluid). Calculates the volume of 8.4% NaHCO₃ solution needed. Standard practice: give 1/4 to 1/3 of calculated dose initially over 15–30 minutes, then reassess blood gas. Used for severe metabolic acidosis treatment (pH < 7.2), base deficit correction, DKA bicarbonate supplementation, lactic acidosis management, renal tubular acidosis treatment, and acid-base resuscitation. Common queries: 'bicarbonate deficit calculation', 'NaHCO3 dose for metabolic acidosis', 'sodium bicarbonate dose for a dog', 'base deficit correction'.

Body Weight

Measured HCO₃⁻

mEq/L

Target HCO₃⁻

mEq/L

Bicarbonate Deficit

—mEq

8.4% NaHCO₃ Volume (1 mEq/mL)

—mL

Initial Dose (¼ of total)

—mL