What is lactic acidosis in dogs and cats?

Lactic acidosis refers to an elevated concentration of lactic acid in the blood, often associated with metabolic or circulatory problems. Signs include fever, changes in breathing, and reduced alertness. If you are concerned, speak to your vet and arrange an examination.

How does the vet check whether my pet has high blood lactate (hyperlactatemia)?

The vet will take a blood sample to measure the blood lactate level, combined with a biochemistry panel, blood count, and imaging as needed to assess the possible cause and severity, then decide on the next steps.

What can I do at home to help the vet assess my pet?

You can measure and record your pet's temperature, frequency of shivering, any changes in breathing, and food and water intake. Keeping a timed log and short video clips can help the vet make an assessment — bring these records to your appointment.

Does a high blood lactate level mean my pet is in serious danger?

An elevated blood lactate level suggests a possible metabolic or circulatory abnormality. The severity needs to be evaluated by a vet using other test results alongside it. It is advisable to follow your vet's guidance and arrange further tests and monitoring.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Lactic Acidosis in Dogs & Cats: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Emergency Care [2025]

Lactic acidosis is an emergency condition caused by excessive lactic acid buildup in the body, commonly seen with shock or serious illness — immediate veterinary care is needed to stabilise vital signs.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/05

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: ACVIM, AAHA, WSAVA

When to See a Vet

Seek emergency care immediately

•Visibly rapid breathing or signs of respiratory distress
•Frequent, uncontrollable whole-body seizures
•Sustained unresponsiveness or brief loss of consciousness

Schedule a clinic visit soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Persistently elevated body temperature that is difficult to bring down
•Increased respiratory rate but pet remains alert and responsive
•Repeated shivering or whole-body trembling while still conscious

01What Symptoms Indicate a Problem?

When dogs or cats develop lactic acidosis, the clinical signs are typically systemic and reflect metabolic or respiratory changes. Common symptoms include the following.

Persistent or recurrent fever with difficulty stabilising body temperature
Rapid breathing, shallow breaths, or laboured panting
Obvious trembling or repeated shivering, which may also occur after waking
Signs of dehydration, such as reduced skin elasticity and dry mouth
Recurrent seizures, muscle twitching, or altered consciousness and sluggish responses

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Visibly rapid breathing or signs of respiratory distress
⚠️ Frequent, uncontrollable whole-body seizures
⚠️ Sustained unresponsiveness or brief loss of consciousness

02How Can You Assess the Situation at Home? Key Observations and When to Go to the Emergency Clinic

Notes you keep at home help the vet gauge the severity and urgency of the condition. Please record changes in timing and frequency honestly and in detail.

Take your pet's temperature, note the time and reading, and record any fluctuations
Log the frequency, duration, and pattern of any shivering or trembling episodes
Observe mental status (alert, lethargic, or unresponsive)
Track changes in appetite and water intake, plus daily food consumption
Note urination and defecation frequency, colour, and any abnormal discharge
If symptoms worsen noticeably or emergency signs appear, arrange a vet visit as soon as possible

03How Will the Vet Make a Diagnosis? Common Examination Steps

At the clinic, the vet will combine the history with the following tests to evaluate lactate levels and possible causes, then determine a treatment and monitoring plan.

Full physical examination

assessing respiration, heart rate, mucous membrane colour, and hydration status

Blood tests

complete blood count and blood lactate measurement

Biochemistry panel

liver and kidney function, electrolytes, and acid-base status

Urinalysis

to rule out renal or metabolic contributing factors

Imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, or CT)

organ assessment as clinically indicated

Specialist referral or further diagnostics arranged if needed

04How Is It Treated and Managed After Diagnosis? Medication, Diet, and Home Care Guide

Abnormal lactate levels typically require management and monitoring in a veterinary setting. Treatment and home care should follow your vet's instructions, with regular check-up visits for blood tests.

Supportive care such as fluid therapy to improve circulation and acid-base balance (as directed by the hospital treatment plan)
Administer prescribed medications on schedule and attend follow-up appointments as instructed
Adjust diet, track daily food intake, and ensure adequate hydration
Continue monitoring body temperature, alertness, and breathing at home, and keep a log
Attend regular check-ups for blood lactate and biochemistry measurements to track recovery
If symptoms worsen or emergency signs appear, contact your vet or an emergency animal hospital immediately

05What Should You Prepare Before the Vet Visit? Key Information to Help the Vet Assess Quickly

Record when symptoms started, how they have changed, and any treatments already given

List all current medications, supplements, and dosages (if any)

Prepare a temperature, shivering, and feeding log with timestamps and frequency notes

Bring recent blood test results, imaging reports, or other medical records (if available)

Use a secure carrier or lead, and book an appointment slot that suits your pet's needs

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.