Bicarbonate / TCO2 (Canine)

Also known as:TCO2BicarbHCO3

Reference Range

Critical Low

<12

mEq/L

Reference Range

17-26

mEq/L

Optimal Range

18-25

mEq/L

Critical High

>32

mEq/L

Bicarbonate helps maintain proper blood pH and acid-base balance.

Low

Low bicarbonate indicates metabolic acidosis from kidney disease, noticeable diarrhea, diabetes (DKA), or lactic acidosis.

What to do:

Your vet needs to identify the root cause urgently, as metabolic acidosis can be life-threatening.

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Canine TCO2: 14 mEq/L (Low)

Normal

Bicarbonate helps maintain proper blood pH and acid-base balance.

What to do:

No action needed.

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Canine TCO2: 22 mEq/L

High

High bicarbonate usually results from vomiting (loss of stomach acid) or certain diuretics.

What to do:

Your vet will address the underlying cause of the alkalosis.

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Canine TCO2: 30 mEq/L (High)

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