CHAPTER 30 Clinical Chemistry of the Puppy and Kitten
This chapter focuses on the typical development and acquisition of normal biochemical constituents in puppies and kittens and illustrates the many differences between adult and neonatal biochemical parameters. Although published reference ranges are provided (Tables 30-1 to 30-5) based on the available research in current literature, it is recommended that reference intervals be established for each laboratory because of the lack of standardization among reference laboratories. Practitioners, however, may use these ranges as guidelines for interpretation of serum biochemical results in puppies and kittens aged less than 1 year. Hereditary conditions affecting biochemical parameters of young dogs and cats are shown in Table 30-6.
TABLE 30-6 Hereditary conditions affecting biochemical parameters of young dogs and cats
Condition | Mode of Inheritance |
---|---|
Benign familial hyperphosphatasemia in Siberian Huskies | Likely autosomal (exact mode of inheritance not known) |
Musculodystrophy | X-linked |
Hyperchylomicronemia in cats | Believed to be autosomal recessive |
Pancreatic acinar atrophy and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in German Shepherd Dogs | Autosomal recessive |
Severe combined immunodeficiency | |
Basset Hounds | X-linked |
Jack Russell Terriers and Cardigan Welsh Corgis | Autosomal recessive |
IgA deficiency | Unknown |
Hypercholesterolemia in Rottweilers and Dobermans | Unknown |
Hereditary renal dysplasia in Lhasa Apsos | Autosomal recessive |
Congenital dwarfism | Autosomal recessive |
Hyperkalemia in posthemolysis in Akitas, Japanese Shibas, and Jindos | Believed to be autosomal recessive |
Glucose
Hypoglycemia
Common causes of hypoglycemia in neonates are listed in Box 30-1.
Protein
Hypoproteinemia
An inherited deficiency of B lymphocytes has been reported as an X-linked trait in Basset Hounds and also as an autosomal recessive trait in Cardigan Welsh Corgis and Jack Russell Terriers (see Table 30-6). This syndrome, known as severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome (SCID), results in a marked decrease in immunoglobulin production and occurs with profound lymphopenia in affected puppies. Selective immunoglobulin deficiencies have also been identified in other breeds of puppies, including IgA deficiency in German Shepherd Dogs, Beagles, and Shar-Peis (see Table 30-6).
Causes of hypoproteinemia are listed in Box 30-2.
Lipids
Hypolipidemia
Causes for hypolipidemia are summarized in Box 30-3.
Hyperlipidemia
Congenital hypothyroidism with hypercholesterolemia has been reported in puppies and kittens. The mechanism is not completely understood; however, it may be associated with decreased hepatic metabolism of lipids and decreased fecal excretion of cholesterol. This disorder is discussed in more depth in Chapter 45. Some common causes for hyperlipidemia are summarized in Box 30-3.