Metabolic acidosis is a pH imbalance in which the body has accumulated too much acid and does not have enough bicarbonate to effectively neutralize the effects of the acid. It is a condition that occurs when the body produces too much acid or when the kidneys are not removing enough acid from the body.
This condition can occur due to loss of bicarbonate (alkali), excess acid production by increased metabolism, excess acid introduction in the body through an external source or because of kidneys inability to excrete acid. This condition can happen in any dog of any size, age and breed.
Symptoms of metabolic acidosis vary. Most common symptoms include:
Depression (especially if acidosis is severe)
Rapid and deep breathing
Diarrhea
Confusion
Fever
