Acid–base and electrolyte status during early induced pregnancy toxaemia in goats

Eleven Murciano-Granadina goats in late pregnancy were separated into two groups (1) control (n = 6) and (2) fasting for 72 h to induce pregnancy toxaemia (n = 5). Venous blood was taken daily to determine acid–base and electrolyte parameters. Significant decreases in blood pH, bicarbonate concentration and base excess, and a significant increase in anion gap were observed after 24 h of fasting. These changes were significantly correlated with non-esterified fatty acid concentration. No significant changes were observed in pCO2, and electrolyte or lactate concentrations. Clinical signs of pregnancy toxaemia in fasted goats appeared by 72 h post-fasting. These signs and the changes in acid–base balance disappeared once feed was reintroduced. Blood pH, bicarbonate concentration, base excess and anion gap could be indicators of early pregnancy toxaemia in goats.