Acid-base and electrolyte balance following administration of three crystalloid solutions in dogs undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery

Hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis did not develop after intraoperative 0.9% saline, Hartmann's solution or maintenance solution at 10 mL kg−1 hour−1 for 2 hours in dogs undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery. Bicarbonate and BE increased after Hartmann's and maintenance solutions. Increases in potassium concentration were unexplained.