Chloride (Cl)
Electrolytes & minerals ·Also called: Cl, chloride, serum chloride
What it is
Chloride is the main negatively charged particle in the fluid outside cells. It is handled by the kidneys and lost in stomach acid, sweat-free though dogs and cats are, and its level usually parallels sodium closely.
Why your vet measures it
Chloride is chiefly used to interpret acid-base disturbances. A chloride that has fallen much further than sodium points towards loss of stomach acid — persistent vomiting, or an obstruction high in the digestive tract.
What a high result can mean
- Dehydration, in step with a raised sodium
- Certain kidney disorders affecting acid handling
- Over-administration of saline fluids
What a low result can mean
- Persistent vomiting, particularly of stomach contents
- An obstruction at the stomach outflow or upper small intestine
- Diuretic treatment
- Alongside a low sodium in Addison's disease or fluid loss
Questions worth asking your vet
- Has the chloride fallen more than the sodium, and does that point anywhere?
- Could persistent vomiting explain this pattern?
Related terms
See this value explained on your pet's own report
Upload the lab report or X-ray and get every value explained in the context of your own dog or cat — in minutes.
Explain my pet's results