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Dog Anion Gap Calculator

Calculate the anion gap and albumin-corrected anion gap to identify the cause of metabolic acidosis in dogs.

🧪 Dog Anion Gap Calculator
Enter your dog's details below to get an instant result.
For albumin-corrected AG
Anion Gap
-mEq/L
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Corrected AG
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Interpretation
Warning: For use by qualified veterinary professionals. Always interpret electrolytes in conjunction with clinical findings, blood gas results, and full biochemistry panel.

What Is the Dog Anion Gap Calculator?

Calculate the anion gap and albumin-corrected anion gap to identify the cause of metabolic acidosis in dogs.

The anion gap is an essential step in evaluating metabolic acidosis — it distinguishes between high-AG causes (ketoacidosis, uraemia, toxins) and normal-AG causes (diarrhoea, RTA). This calculator includes albumin correction.

Every result is based on published veterinary research and breed-size-specific growth data — not generic averages. This tool is completely free, works instantly in your browser, and requires no account or sign-up.

How to Use This Calculator

1
Enter Your Dog's Details

Fill in the required fields above — typically your dog's weight, age, or breed size. Every field has a clear label and hint.

2
Click Calculate

Press the calculate button to get your instant result. No page reload, no account needed, no waiting.

3
Review Your Result

Your result appears immediately below the calculator. It includes the primary answer plus additional context where relevant.

4
Use the Information

Share, print, or save your result. Always discuss health-related results with your veterinarian before making decisions.

How It Works

Anion Gap = Na⁺ − (Cl⁻ + HCO₃⁻). The normal canine AG is approximately 12-24 mEq/L. A high AG indicates accumulation of unmeasured anions — remember MUDPILES: Methanol, Uraemia, Diabetic ketoacidosis, Propylene glycol, Isoniazid, Lactic acidosis, Ethylene glycol, Salicylates. A normal AG with acidosis suggests bicarbonate loss (diarrhoea, renal tubular acidosis).

Albumin correction is critical because albumin is a major unmeasured anion. Hypoalbuminaemic patients have a falsely low AG. Corrected AG = measured AG + (2.5 − albumin in g/dL) × 3.

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Veterinary Research

Every formula is derived from peer-reviewed veterinary studies and clinical guidelines, not guesswork or generic rules.

Instant Results

No page reload, no waiting, no account needed. Enter your details and your result appears immediately.

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100% Private

All calculations happen in your browser. Nothing you enter is ever stored on our servers or shared with anyone.

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Always Free

Every calculator on Doggy Calculators is and will always be completely free to use — no premium tier, no catch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the normal canine anion gap?+
12-24 mEq/L. Some references use 12-24, others 10-20. Individual lab reference ranges vary slightly.
What causes a high anion gap?+
MUDPILES: Methanol, Uraemia, Diabetic ketoacidosis, Propylene glycol (in some IV fluids), Isoniazid, Lactic acidosis, Ethylene glycol (antifreeze), Salicylates.
What causes a normal anion gap metabolic acidosis?+
HARDUPS: Hyperchloraemia, Addison's disease, Renal tubular acidosis, Diarrhoea, Uretera-intestinal fistula, Pancreatic fistula, Saline administration.
Why correct for albumin?+
Albumin carries negative charge and is a major unmeasured anion. Low albumin reduces the AG — a dog with an albumin of 1.0 g/dL and measured AG of 15 actually has a corrected AG of ~20.5 mEq/L, suggesting a high AG process is present.
Should I always calculate the anion gap?+
Yes — the anion gap should be calculated on every patient with metabolic acidosis as a routine part of acid-base interpretation.

Sources & References

This calculator's formulas are based on the following peer-reviewed and authoritative veterinary sources:

⚠️ These calculators are reference tools only. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before administering medication or making medical decisions.