Episode 2: Top 10 Reasons to Run a Blood Gas in Small Animal ER

Welcome to The VetEmCrit Podcast — where we break down complex veterinary emergency and critical care topics into clear, evidence-based insights you can use right away in practice. Each episode of the VetEmCrit Podcast is the audio version of our YouTube videos, created so you can learn emergency and critical care on the go. If you’re new here, I’m Dr. Igor Yankin, DACVECC, a small animal emergency and critical care specialist and founder of vetemcrit.com. In this episode, we highlight the top reasons venous blood gas (VBG) analysis is invaluable in small animal emergency care. You’ll learn what Kussmaul breathing has to do with venous blood gas interpretation, why osteopenia, pathologic fractures, or nephrocalcinosis can be key indications to run a VBG, and when the predictable relationship between venous, arterial, and end-tidal CO₂ breaks—and why you need to recognize it. We’ll also cover how VBG can guide management in refractory vasodilatory shock, whether there’s value in running VBG during CPR, and when to check for acid-base derangements in cases of potassium disorders or acute vomiting. Finally, we’ll discuss why you can’t rule out DKA based on pH and bicarbonate alone. These scenarios come up more often than you’d think, and knowing when and how to use a venous blood gas can make all the difference in ER outcomes. Free resources to help you level up: Youtube channel Free Acid-Base Analysis Workshop Free veterinary emergency tools, protocols, and articles Online courses on acid-base and electrolyte disorders Free RACE-approved CE on IV potassium supplementation