Physiological norms of blood parameters for cats. Reading cat tests

Almost all infectious and invasive diseases of cats are diagnosed using a blood test from the cat. General and biochemical examination can be indicative for a variety of diseases.

Only veterinarians can correctly evaluate the results obtained from the laboratory, because it is necessary to look at several indicators as a whole. However, nothing prevents you from making a preliminary diagnosis yourself.

In what cases is a blood test needed?

If you've recently changed your pet's diet, a blood test can show whether it suits your cat. Even natural food can cause digestive problems in an animal. In 95% of cases, independently selected food is not suitable for the animal. Therefore, it is worthwhile to undergo research and consult a professional veterinarian.

In addition, this study is simply necessary to clarify the preliminary diagnosis. After all, even vomiting in a cat can be a sign of either a banal indigestion or a serious infection.

What can a biochemical blood test show?

A biochemical blood test in cats can tell a lot, deciphering which is a very long and complex matter. Many pets are prone to urolithiasis, so at the beginning, every veterinarian looks at the ratio of calcium and phosphorus.

If calcium is elevated, then you can suspect that your cat has:

• certain types of cancer;
• kidney disease;
• steam pathologies thyroid gland;
• poisoning that caused complications on the excretory system.

If the phosphorus norm is seriously exceeded, one can also talk about kidney damage. The result of a slipper can also be evidence of diseases of the digestive system. Most often, a cat with an unsatisfactory result for the amount of phosphorus is hospitalized. If creatinine also increases, then we can talk about kidney pathology without additional research.

Also, biochemical analysis can be effective in cases of suspected liver disease. Similar to humans, a cat suffering from liver problems will have elevated bilirubin. This is not always a sign of hepatitis; often excess of the norm appears due to stagnation of bile or anemia. In the latter case, it is necessary to conduct two studies - general and biochemical.

With pancreatitis in cats, lipase and amylase increase. Also, the levels of these substances may exceed the norm during treatment with certain types of medications or with pathologies of the digestive system. If lipase, phosphorus and calcium are outside the normal range, then the cat’s disease is associated with kidney pathology.

Cats often develop diabetes mellitus or Cushing's syndrome. In these diseases, glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol levels exceed normal limits. If the veterinarian suspects a malfunction of the liver, then a reduced glucose level can confirm his words.

The most dangerous are sudden changes in a cat's blood glucose levels; they can lead to coma or even death. If the content of this substance is lower or higher than normal, then the analysis will have to be carried out again under other conditions, for example, after the cat has had enough.

Features of deciphering a general blood test

If the veterinarian decides to conduct a clinical blood test in cats, decoding will be needed to determine the nature of the disease - whether there are inflammatory processes, whether the blood supply is impaired, or whether allergic reactions are present.

Hemoglobin and hematocrit decrease with acute intoxication of the body and anemia. To find out exactly the reason for the change in these indicators, the veterinarian will focus on other values ​​that can be shown by a clinical study of the animal’s blood.

If a general blood test was performed, decoding it is important to identify the characteristics of the course of the disease. One of the most important indicators, for example, is ESR. To explain this acronym, it refers to the rate at which red blood cells precipitate.

ESR increases with:

• oncological diseases;
• kidney pathologies;
• with a heart attack;
• during cat pregnancy;
• after surgical interventions.

If the veterinarian suspects cancer or renal failure, then he additionally prescribes a biochemical blood test.

Another type of additional laboratory test is the preparation of a leukocyte formula. It can be carried out as part of a general blood test if hidden inflammatory processes are suspected.

If they are really present in the cat’s body, then the number of stab (immature forms of leukocytes) in the blood will increase. Also, the leukocyte formula can show an allergy, with this disease the number of eosinophils increases.

Material under study: venous, capillary blood

Take: When taking blood, you must follow the rules of asepsis and antisepsis in accordance with the instructions. If possible, blood is taken on an empty stomach into a clean (preferably disposable) test tube with an anticoagulant (K 3 EDTA, K 2 EDTA, Na 2 EDTA, less commonly sodium citrate, sodium oxalate) (test tube with a green or lilac cap). Heparin should not be used! It is necessary to correctly calculate the amount of anticoagulant. After drawing blood, the tube should be mixed smoothly. When drawing blood into a syringe, transfer it into the test tube immediately and slowly, preventing foaming. DON'T SHAKE!!

Storage: Blood is stored for no more than 6-8 hours at room temperature, 24 hours in the refrigerator.

Delivery: Blood tubes must be labeled and tightly closed. During transportation, the material should be protected from the harmful effects of the environment and weather conditions. DON'T SHAKE!!!

:

Exceeding the concentration of the anticoagulant causes wrinkling and hemolysis of red blood cells, as well as a decrease in ESR;

Heparin affects the color and staining of blood cells and the count of leukocytes;

High concentrations of EDTA increase platelet counts;

Vigorous shaking of the blood leads to hemolysis;

A decrease in hemoglobin and red blood cells can occur due to the action of drugs that can cause the development of aplastic anemia (antitumor, anticonvulsants, heavy metals, antibiotics, analgesics).

Biseptol, vitamin A, corticotropin, cortisol - increase ESR.

Hemogram

Hemogram of cats of different ages and sexes (R.W. Kirk)

Leukocyte formula- percentage of different forms of leukocytes in the blood (in a stained smear). Changes in the leukocyte formula may be typical for a particular disease.

According to clinical analysis, blood cells (erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets) are studied. Thanks to this analysis, the overall health of the animal can be determined.

Red blood cells

Red blood cells: Normally, the number of red blood cells is: in dogs 5.2-8.4 * 10^12,
in cats 4.6-10.1 *10^12 per liter of blood. There can be either a lack of red blood cells in the blood or an increase in their number.

1) A lack of red blood cells in the blood is called erythropenia.

Erythropenia can be absolute or relative.

1.Absolute erythropenia- violation of the synthesis of red blood cells, their active destruction, or large blood loss.
2.Relative erythropenia- This is a decrease in the percentage of red blood cells in the blood due to the fact that the blood thins. Typically, this picture is observed when, for some reason, a large amount of fluid enters the bloodstream. The total number of red blood cells in this condition in the body remains normal.

In clinical practice, the most common classification of anemia is:

• Iron deficiency
• Aplastic
• Megaloblastic
• Sideroblastic
• Chronic diseases
• Hemolytic

1. Anemia due to increased destruction of red blood cells
   a. Aplastic anemia - disease of the hematopoietic system, expressed in a sharp inhibition or cessation of growth and maturation of cells in the bone marrow.
   b. Iron-deficiency anemia is seen as a symptom of another disease or as a condition rather than as a separate disease and occurs when the body has insufficient iron stores.
   c. Megaloblastic anemia- a rare disease caused by impaired absorption of vitamin B12 and folic acid.
   d. Sideroblastic anemia– with this anemia, the animal’s body has enough iron, but the body is not able to use this iron to produce hemoglobin, which is needed to deliver oxygen to all tissues and organs. As a result, iron begins to accumulate in red blood cells.

2) Erythrocytosis

1. Absolute erythrocytosis– increase in the number of red blood cells in the body. This picture is observed in sick animals with chronic diseases heart and lungs.

2. Relative erythrocytosis– observed when the total number of red blood cells in the body is not increased, but due to blood thickening, the percentage of red blood cells per unit volume of blood increases. Blood becomes thicker when the body loses a lot of water.

Hemoglobin

Hemoglobinis part of red blood cells and serves to transport gases (oxygen, carbon dioxide) with blood.

Normal amount of hemoglobin: in dogs 110-170 g/l and in cats 80-170 g/l

1. A reduced hemoglobin content in red blood cells indicates

anemia.

2. Increased hemoglobin levels may be associated with diseases

blood or increased hematopoiesis in the bone marrow with some

diseases: - chronic bronchitis,

Bronchial asthma,

Congenital or acquired heart defects,

Polycystic kidney disease and others, as well as after taking certain medications, for example,

steroid hormones.

Hematocrit

Hematocritshows the percentage of plasma and formed elements (erythrocytes, leukocytes and

platelets) blood.

1. An increased content of formed elements is observed during dehydration of the body (vomiting, diarrhea) and

some diseases.

2. A decrease in the number of blood cells is observed with an increase in circulating blood - this

may occur with edema and when a large amount of fluid enters the blood.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

The normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate in dogs and cats is 2-6 mm per hour.

1. Faster sedimentation is observed in inflammatory processes, anemia and some other diseases.

2. Slow sedimentation of erythrocytes occurs with an increase in their concentration in the blood; with an increase in bile

pigments in the blood, which indicates liver disease.

Leukocytes

In dogs, the normal number of leukocytes is from 8.5-10.5 * 10^9 / l of blood, in cats it is 6.5-18.5 * 10^9 / l. There are several types of leukocytes in an animal's blood. And in order to clarify the state of the body, the leukocyte formula is derived - percentage ratio different forms leukocytes.

1) Leukocytosis– increase in the content of leukocytes in the blood.
1. Physiological leukocytosis - an increase in the number of leukocytes by a little and not for long, usually due to the entry of leukocytes into the blood from the spleen, bone marrow and lungs during food intake and physical activity.
2. Medication (protein-containing serum preparations, vaccines, antipyretic drugs, ether-containing drugs).
3.Pregnant
4.Newborns (14 days of life)
5. Reactive (true) leukocytosis develops during infectious and inflammatory processes, this occurs due to the increased production of leukocytes by the hematopoietic organs

2) Leukopenia– this is a decrease in the number of leukocytes in the blood, develops when viral infections and exhaustion, with bone marrow lesions. Typically, a decrease in the number of leukocytes is associated with a violation of their production and leads to a deterioration of immunity.

Leukogram- percentage of different forms of leukocytes (eosinophils; monocytes; basophils; myelocytes; young; neutrophils: band, segmented; lymphocytes)

1.Eosinophils are phagocytic cells that absorb antigen-antibody immune complexes (mainly immunoglobulin E). In dogs, the norm is 3-9%, in cats 2-8%.

1.1.Eosinophilia - this is an increase in the number of eosinophils in the peripheral blood, which may be due to stimulation of the process of proliferation of the eosinophilic hematopoiesis under the influence of the formed antigen-antibody immune complexes and in diseases accompanied by autoimmune processes in the body.

1.2. Eosinopenia – is a decrease or complete absence of eosinophils in the peripheral blood. Eosinopenia is observed during infectious and inflammatory-purulent processes in the body.

2.1.Monocytosis - an increase in the content of monocytes in the blood most often occurs when

A) infectious diseases: toxoplasmosis, brucellosis;
b) high monocytes in the blood are one of the laboratory signs of severe infectious processes-sepsis, subacute endocarditis, some forms of leukemia (acute monocytic leukemia),
c) also malignant diseases of the lymphatic system - lymphogranulomatosis, lymphomas.

2.2.Monocytopenia- a decrease in the number of monocytes in the blood and even their absence can be observed with damage to the bone marrow with a decrease in its function (aplastic anemia, B12 deficiency anemia).

3.Basophils filled with granules that contain various mediators that, when released in the surrounding tissue, cause inflammation. Basophil granules contain large amounts of serotonin, histamine, prostaglandins, leukotrienes. It also contains heparin, thanks to which basophils are able to regulate blood clotting. Normally, cats and dogs have 0-1% basophils in the leukogram.

3.1.Basophilia- this is an increase in the content of basophils in the peripheral blood, noted when:

a) decreased thyroid function,
b) diseases of the blood system,
c) allergic conditions.

3.2.Basopenia- this decrease in the content of basophils in the peripheral blood is observed when:
a) acute pneumonia,
b) acute infections,
c) Cushing's syndrome,
d) stress influences,
e)pregnancy,
f) increased thyroid function.

4.Myelocytes and metamyelocytes– precursors of leukocytes with a segmental nucleus (neutrophils). They are localized in the bone marrow and therefore are not normally detected in a clinical blood test. Appearance
The precursors of neutrophils in a clinical blood test are called a shift of the leukocyte formula to the left and can be observed in various diseases accompanied by absolute leukocytosis. High quantitative indicators myelocytes and metamyelocytes observed in myeloid leukemia. Their main function is protection against infections through chemotaxis (directed movement towards stimulating agents) and phagocytosis (absorption and digestion) of foreign microorganisms.

5. Neutrophils as well as eosinophils and basophils, belong to granulocytic blood cells, since a characteristic feature of these blood cells is the presence of granules (granules) in the cytoplasm. Neutrophil granules contain lysozyme, myeloperoxidase, neutral and acid hydrolases, cationic proteins, lactoferrin, collagenase, aminopeptidase. It is thanks to the contents of the granules that neutrophils perform their functions.

5.1. Neutrophilia-increase in the number of neutrophils (band neutrophils are normal in dogs 1-6%, in cats 3-9%; segmented neutrophils in dogs 49-71%, in cats 40-50%) in the blood.

The main reason for the increase in neutrophils in the blood is the inflammatory process in the body, especially during purulent processes. By increasing the content of the absolute number of neutrophils in the blood during the inflammatory process, one can indirectly judge the extent of inflammation and the adequacy of the immune response to the inflammatory process in the body.

5.2.Neutropenia- decrease in the number of neutrophils in peripheral blood. The reason for the decrease in neutrophils in the peripheral blood there may be suppression of bone marrow hematopoiesis of an organic or functional nature, increased destruction of neutrophils, and exhaustion of the body against the background of long-term diseases.

Neutropenia most often occurs with:

a) Viral infections, some bacterial infections (brucellosis), rickettsial infections, protozoal infections (toxoplasmosis).

b) Inflammatory diseases that occur in severe form and acquire the character of a generalized infection.

c) Side effects of certain medications (cytostatics, sulfonamides, analgesics, etc.)

d) Hypoplastic and aplastic anemia.

e) Hypersplenism.

f) Agranulocytosis.

g) Severe body weight deficiency with the development of cachexia.

6.Lymphocytes- these are the formed elements of blood, one of the types of leukocytes that are part immune system.Their function is to circulate in the blood and tissues in order to provide immune protection against foreign agents entering the body. In dogs, the normal leukogram is 21-40%, in cats 36-50%

6.1.Lymphocytosis - this increase in the number of lymphocytes is usually observed during viral infections and purulent-inflammatory diseases.
1.Relative lymphocytosis called an increase in the percentage of lymphocytes in leukocyte formula at their normal absolute value in the blood.

2.Absolute lymphocytosis, unlike relative, is connected With an increase in the total number of lymphocytes in the blood and occurs in diseases and pathological conditions accompanied by increased stimulation of lymphopoiesis.

An increase in lymphocytes is most often absolute and occurs in the following diseases and pathological conditions:

a) Viral infections,

b) Acute and chronic lymphocytic leukemia,

c) Lymphosarcoma,

d) Hyperthyroidism.

6.2.Lymphocytopenia- decrease in lymphocytes in the blood.

Lymphocytopenia, as well as lymphocytosis, is divided into relative and absolute.

1.Relative lymphocytopenia - this is a decrease in the percentage of lymphocytes in the leukoformula with a normal level of the total number of lymphocytes in the blood; it can occur in inflammatory diseases accompanied by an increase in the number of neutrophils in the blood, for example, in pneumonia or purulent inflammation.

2.Absolutelymphocytopenia - This is a decrease in the total number of lymphocytes in the blood. Occurs in diseases and pathological conditions accompanied by inhibition of the lymphocytic germ of hematopoiesis or all germs of hematopoiesis (pancytopenia). Lymphocytopenia also occurs with increased death of lymphocytes.

Platelets

Platelets are essential for blood clotting. Tests may show an increase in platelet counts, which may occur with some diseases or increased bone marrow activity. There may be a decrease in the number of platelets - this is typical for some diseases.

A cheerful and playful pet is a joy for any owner. A four-legged friend is always in shape if his health is normal. But even a frisky pet can have a hidden illness. Cats are no exception to this list.

A blood test will help a vigilant owner recognize a hidden disease. Specifically, a biochemical blood test. Timely deciphering of a biochemical blood test in cats is the key to the longevity of a mustachioed friend and the joy of the owner.

Necessity

ATTENTION! Tests are the first step to determine a disease in a pet.

As you know, any tests are carried out in laboratories. Blood tests in cats are no exception. Responsibility for deciphering the results of the analysis lies largely with the veterinarian. And the owner, who understands the results of the analysis, can direct him to making the correct diagnosis when talking with the veterinarian.

It is important to distinguish between a biochemical blood test and a clinical one. Since each of them shows results for different groups of substances.

A biochemical analysis of a cat’s blood makes it possible to determine the degree of functionality of a particular organ. The circulatory system covers all organs, tissues and cells of the body. The changes that occur in them leave an imprint in the blood. That's why More often, blood is donated for biochemistry to confirm or refute the alleged diagnosis.

Blood sample

Fluffy pets are varied in character. And the procedure for drawing blood for analysis is not a pleasant process for the pet. A mustachioed friend may become stressed, and the veterinarian's work will be difficult.

ATTENTION! The cat should be prepared in advance for blood collection.

What does this mean? It is known that tests are always performed in the morning. Therefore, the day before collection, the cat should not:

• take food 8-12 hours in advance, or even better 24 hours; do not feed pets that have natural food for a day;
• be in active physical activity;
• administer medications, especially intramuscularly or intravenously;
• carry out physiotherapeutic procedures, ultrasound, massage, x-rays.

For high-quality and correct blood sampling:

1. Be close to your pet so that your mustachioed friend is calm during the procedure. His restless state may affect the result of the analysis;
2. Follow your veterinarian's instructions carefully. Don't think about how painful it will be for your pet. Work with your veterinarian;
3. Before the procedure, describe in writing all your observations and concerns that caused the blood test and provide them to the doctor;
4. After taking blood, reward your pet for his courage and endurance.

So that the mustachioed friend’s suffering would not be in vain, the procedure would not be repeated, It is necessary to monitor the quality of the blood biochemistry test. Even if the owner is not a specialist, he can still:

• specify the location of the laboratory. The quality of the analysis result depends on this;
• Make sure that an anticoagulant is first placed in the blood collection tube. It prevents pre-clotting of blood components;
• make sure that the blood is taken from a vein. Since high-quality blood tests are performed on IDEXX analyzers. It processes blood taken from a vein;
• Make sure that venous blood is taken from the cat's front or back paw.

If your pet is too sensitive to pain, you can relieve him of the discomfort. Anesthetic sprays are used for this purpose. Removal by a well-trained veterinarian is usually painless.

Description of the result

The decisive thing is the decoding of the analysis data. Digital indicators of certain blood parameters are the result of the analysis. The attending veterinarian will be able to decipher the analysis indicators qualitatively. Normal blood biochemistry for some indicators in cats is presented in the table:

An increase or decrease in the indicator from the norm is of great importance for diagnosis. Thus, reduced blood protein in cats may indicate:

Glucose is one of the main indicators in the description of a biochemical blood test. Its decrease or increase clearly indicates certain deviations. This can be seen from the table:

A high amount of urea indicates body poisoning or kidney failure. But more often, a high amount of this substance is the result of a protein diet. The indicator may increase due to stress state Same. If there is a lack of protein in food, its amount is reduced.

To make an accurate diagnosis, the veterinarian considers the results based on several indicators. If all results indicate the same disease, then additional indicators are considered. This is necessary for accurate diagnosis.

Additional indicators in the description of a biochemical blood test are trace element ions (electrolytes). For example, a low amount of phosphorus indicates:

• rickets;
• lack of vitamin D;
• recurring diarrhea (frequent bowel problems);
  injection of large amounts of glucose into a vein (with insulin therapy).

Excess salt in food, deviation of water-salt balance, frequent urination in diabetes (not diabetes) - excess sodium ions. And their low quantity means edema, heart failure, overdose of diuretics.

Biochemical analysis is often deciphered by grouping indicators. That is, the results of several indicators are compared with each other. Basically, this grouping is made between ALT and AST.

The levels of these two enzymes should always be opposite. Normal ALT levels should always be low.. If the ALT level is elevated, this may indicate:

1. destruction of liver cells. The cause of destruction is swelling, cirrhosis, jaundice;
2. muscle injury or destruction;
3. liver poisoning;
4. burns

AST is a protein involved in amino acid metabolism in the body. This is an intracellular enzyme. It is found in the cells of the heart muscle and liver. A high concentration of this protein is an indicator:

• excessive stress (physical);
• failure (heart);
• heat stroke in an animal;
• presence of burns;
• malignant oncology;
• hepatitis A;

If the AST indicator increases simultaneously with the increase in the ALT indicator, it is clearly infectious hepatitis.

IMPORTANT! When deciphering the result of a blood test (regardless of its type), you should take into account the individuality of each pet. The norm for one may be higher or lower for another type of pet.

A cat's blood test is the most important element of the examination necessary to make a diagnosis of various diseases, as well as for early detection of diseases in clinically healthy animals. The range of blood tests for cats is quite wide and increases from year to year, opening up new horizons of veterinary diagnostics. The tests required in each specific case are prescribed by a veterinarian, but the first and most important tests are almost always general clinical and biochemical blood tests.

Why is a cat’s blood biochemical test necessary? What are the differences between general clinical and biochemical tests? Is it necessary to take tests during treatment? This is not a complete list of questions regarding cat blood tests that owners often ask when visiting a veterinarian. We will try to highlight some of them in this article.

Clinical blood test for cats

A clinical blood test for cats is one of the primary tests ordered by a veterinarian. Correct interpretation of the analysis results not only ensures a diagnosis, but also allows you to establish a prognosis, identify hidden pathological processes and “suspect” the disease in time.

Blood collection for this study is carried out observing the rules of asepsis and antiseptics. A sample of venous blood is taken into a specially prepared tube containing a certain amount of anticoagulant. Next, the sample is tightly closed, signed and immediately sent for testing, or placed in the refrigerator for no more than a day.

Main indicators of a general blood test for cats

A general blood test for cats allows you to evaluate a number of important indicators:

• Hematocrit is the ratio of the total volume of red blood cells to the volume of blood plasma, expressed as a percentage.
• Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that ensures tissue respiration by transporting oxygen to the cells and carbon dioxide to the lungs.
• Red blood cells are nuclear-free blood cells that contain the protein hemoglobin.
• Color indicator is the average color intensity of red blood cells, characterizing the volume of hemoglobin in one blood cell.
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is an indicator of an imbalance of blood proteins resulting from illness. The most intense increases in ESR occur with malignant neoplasms.
• Leukocytes are “white” (unstained) blood cells, load-bearing functions immune system. A strong increase in the number of leukocytes occurs with various types of leukemia and acute purulent inflammation of organs. A decrease in the amount of “white blood” is observed with aplastic anemia and viral panleukopenia in cats.
• Neutrophils (young, band, segmented), eosinophils, basophils, monocytes and lymphocytes are all specific forms of leukocytes. All of them perform the functions of immunity - protecting the body from infection, foreign objects and antigens.
• Platelets (blood platelets) are blood elements that perform the function of maintaining blood constancy and stopping bleeding.

Decoding the blood test for cats (general).

Only a veterinarian can correctly decipher a clinical blood test for cats, since sometimes even seemingly insignificant changes in indicators characterize the pathological conditions of the cat’s body.

The main indicators of the clinical blood test of cats, their norms and common reasons for going beyond acceptable limits are presented in Table 1.

Table 1

Interpretation of blood test for cats (general clinical).

Biochemical analysis of cat blood.

Biochemical blood analysis of cats is a diagnostic method that characterizes the functional characteristics of organs and organ systems, that is, their “working” abilities. The functioning of all cells, tissues and organs is possible due to the presence of certain enzymes (substances that accelerate metabolic reactions) and substrates (substances that the enzyme “modifies”). It is on the quantity and ratio of enzymes and substrates that the decoding of the biochemical blood test of cats is based. But first things first.

A blood sample for biochemical analysis should be taken on an empty stomach, before treatment procedures. A sample of venous blood (preferably drawn by gravity, without a syringe, directly into a test tube) is labeled and sent for testing.

Blood sampling already during treatment is necessary to adjust treatment measures and establish the prognosis of the disease.

The main elements for assessing organ functions, as already mentioned, are enzymes and substrates.

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme found inside the liver cells (the largest amount), the muscles of the cat's body, as well as the myocardium. Participates in amino acid metabolism. Released when the cells that contain it are damaged.

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an intracellular enzyme that serves to transfer amino groups within cells. The largest amounts are found in the heart, skeletal muscles, liver, and brain. When the cell wall is damaged, it is released and enters the bloodstream.

Creatine phosphokinase (CPK, CK) is an important diagnostic test for diseases of the brain, heart, and muscles of the body. The cells of the listed organs contain quite large quantities.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) - found in hepatocytes (liver cells), bone tissue, placenta, and intestines. Released when these organs are damaged. An increase in alkaline phosphatase in the blood of growing animals (kittens) is normal.

Alpha amylase is a digestive enzyme. Produced by the pancreas, partially contained in the tissues of the intestines, ovaries, and muscles.

Main substrates important for diagnosis.

Total protein is determined by the general condition of the body, nutrition, liver and kidney function. All whey protein consists of albumin (the main part) and globulins. Contained in absolutely all cells of the body.

Glucose is an indicator of carbohydrate metabolism, a “battery” for the body. For its absorption, insulin is needed - a protein substance, a pancreatic hormone. If there is insufficiency or failure of insulin, the amount of glucose in the blood does not decrease, but it is not absorbed by the body’s cells, they “starve”.

Total bilirubin - consists of two fractions: indirect and direct. The first is a breakdown product of red blood cells, which is bound by liver cells and converted into a direct one. Then it is excreted from the body with bile (through the intestines).

Urea is a product of protein metabolism and is excreted by the kidneys.

Creatinine is another end product of protein metabolism. Formed in the liver, excreted by the kidneys.

Also important indicators of the biochemical analysis of the blood of cats are the amount of cholesterol, triglycerides, and electrolytes (potassium, sodium, chlorides).

Correct interpretation of a biochemical blood test ensures an accurate diagnosis.

The main indicators, their norms and possible reasons for deviations from the norms are described in Table 2.

Table 2.

Decoding the biochemical analysis of a cat's blood.

Thus, biochemical and clinical blood tests of cats are necessary components of veterinary diagnostics. And only their correct decoding in combination with additional studies (ultrasound, x-ray, tomography, other blood tests) will ensure an accurate diagnosis and, accordingly, successful and high-quality treatment!