title: Lactate in veterinary critical care: pathophysiology and management.
abstract: The measurement of blood lactate in people has proven to be a useful tool in the diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis of a wide range of clinical syndromes. Its use in small animals is increasing, and several studies have been completed that demonstrate its potential role in critical care. This article summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the physiology and pathophysiology of lactate production and lactic acidosis; current indications and the utility of measurement in a critical care setting are described; novel applications in the evaluation of cavitary effusions are highlighted; and a guide to the therapy of lactic acidosis is presented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Companion Animal Clinic, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Daniel S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Pang
authors.forename: Søren
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Boysen
mesh_terms: D000140:Acidosis, Lactic / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002415:Cats; D003422:Critical Care; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004285:Dogs; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index