Albumin (ALB)
Posted: Tuesday, August 10th, 2021 | Updated: Tuesday, August 10th, 2021
Posted: Tuesday, August 10th, 2021 | Updated: Tuesday, August 10th, 2021
Canine Normal Values:
2.8-4.0 g/dL
Feline Normal Values:
3.0-4.2 g/dL
Significance:
Used in the assessment of hydration status, renal and gastrointestinal disease, liver function, and chronic infectious diseases
Increases in Values:
Increased values typically represent or result from dehydration
Decreases in Values:
Decreased values result from a loss of protein through the gastrointestinal tract or kidneys (protein losing enteropathy and protein losing nephropathy). Values may also be decreased with a lack of production via malnutrition, protein restricted diets, and/or liver disease. Significant decreases in albumin have been associated with inappropriate fluid retention intravascularly resulting in the development of peripheral edema and the third spacing of fluid
Significant Decrease: <2.0 g/dL
Note
Albumin is primarily located within the interstitial space, but plays a major role in maintaining the interstitial and intravascular oncotic pressures
2.8-4.0 g/dL
Feline Normal Values:
3.0-4.2 g/dL
Significance:
Used in the assessment of hydration status, renal and gastrointestinal disease, liver function, and chronic infectious diseases
Increases in Values:
Increased values typically represent or result from dehydration
Decreases in Values:
Decreased values result from a loss of protein through the gastrointestinal tract or kidneys (protein losing enteropathy and protein losing nephropathy). Values may also be decreased with a lack of production via malnutrition, protein restricted diets, and/or liver disease. Significant decreases in albumin have been associated with inappropriate fluid retention intravascularly resulting in the development of peripheral edema and the third spacing of fluid
Significant Decrease: <2.0 g/dL
Note
Albumin is primarily located within the interstitial space, but plays a major role in maintaining the interstitial and intravascular oncotic pressures
Sources:
Ford, Richard B., and Elisa M. Mazzaferro. Kirk and Bistner's Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment. 8th ed., Saunders Elsevier, 2006.
Ford, Richard B., and Elisa M. Mazzaferro. Kirk and Bistner's Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment. 8th ed., Saunders Elsevier, 2006.