The use of arterial (ABG) or venous blood gases (VBG) plays an important role in both the ER and ICU. One particular parameter of the blood gas - the base excess (BE) - has been shown to be indicators of shock, intra-abdominal injury, fluid requirements, efficacy of resuscitation, and to be predictive of mortality after injury in human trauma patients. In human trauma patients, base excess (BE) also been used to predict which patients require blood transfusions within the first 24 hours of hospitalization. Does this apply in veterinary medicine? Check out this podcast to find out if the BE is your new BFF (Best Friend Forever!)!