The Value of Anion Gap and Osmolal Gap Determination in Veterinary Medicine

Introduction Evaluation of the anion gap and the osmolal gap has become routine in many medical institutions. Both calculations take little time, are essentially without cost, and have proven valuable in assessing a variety of clinical conditions. The wide range of acid‐base and electrolyte abnormalities encountered in veterinary medicine makes assessment of anion and osmolal gaps a potentially valuable addition to veterinary clinical pathology. Eight months' experience with determination of calculated gaps at the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine has proven this to be the case. While both calculations are merely aids in the interpretation of clinical and laboratory data, the diagnostic value of the anion gap and the prognostic value of the osmolal gap is readily apparent. Both calculations can also play an important role in quality control monitoring of acid‐base and electrolyte determinations.