Sodium (Na)
Posted: Tuesday, August 31st, 2021 | Updated: Tuesday, January 11th, 2022
Posted: Tuesday, August 31st, 2021 | Updated: Tuesday, January 11th, 2022
Canine Normal Values:
147-154 mEq/L
Feline Normal Values:
147-165 mEq/L
Significance:
Used in the assessment of a variety of diseases
Increases in Values:
May help support the assessment of dehydration or excessive consumption. Neurologic disturbances may be seen when serum sodium concentrations exceed 170 mEq/L
Mild increase: 160-170 mEq/L
Severe increase: >170 mEq/L
Decreases in Values:
Decreased values may indicate mineralocorticoid deficiency known as Addison’s Disease or hypoadrenocorticism. Serum potassium levels must be interpreted along with sodium levels to support this assessment. An ACTH stimulation test could also help determine if Addison’s Disease is truly present. Decreased values may also be present with diuresis or inherent medical disorders involving the kidneys. Certain drugs like furosemide may cause hyponatremia as well. Neurologic disturbances may be seen when serum sodium concentrations are less than 120 mEq/L
Mild decrease: 120-140 mEq/L
Severe decrease: <120 mEq/L
Note:
Sodium and potassium are inversely related. Sodium and chloride have a similar relationship; chloride levels will increase when sodium levels increase and chloride levels will decrease when sodium levels decrease. Neurologic disturbances related to high or low levels of sodium may include ataxia, disorientation, seizures, and coma. Other symptoms may include weakness and lethargy. Sodium levels must be adjusted slowly to prevent intracellular dehydration or edema. Ideally, it's good practice to not raise or lower the serum sodium levels by 15 mEq/L in a 24 hour period. Instead, sodium levels should be restored over a 48 to 72 hour time period; especially if chronic in nature
147-154 mEq/L
Feline Normal Values:
147-165 mEq/L
Significance:
Used in the assessment of a variety of diseases
Increases in Values:
May help support the assessment of dehydration or excessive consumption. Neurologic disturbances may be seen when serum sodium concentrations exceed 170 mEq/L
Mild increase: 160-170 mEq/L
Severe increase: >170 mEq/L
Decreases in Values:
Decreased values may indicate mineralocorticoid deficiency known as Addison’s Disease or hypoadrenocorticism. Serum potassium levels must be interpreted along with sodium levels to support this assessment. An ACTH stimulation test could also help determine if Addison’s Disease is truly present. Decreased values may also be present with diuresis or inherent medical disorders involving the kidneys. Certain drugs like furosemide may cause hyponatremia as well. Neurologic disturbances may be seen when serum sodium concentrations are less than 120 mEq/L
Mild decrease: 120-140 mEq/L
Severe decrease: <120 mEq/L
Note:
Sodium and potassium are inversely related. Sodium and chloride have a similar relationship; chloride levels will increase when sodium levels increase and chloride levels will decrease when sodium levels decrease. Neurologic disturbances related to high or low levels of sodium may include ataxia, disorientation, seizures, and coma. Other symptoms may include weakness and lethargy. Sodium levels must be adjusted slowly to prevent intracellular dehydration or edema. Ideally, it's good practice to not raise or lower the serum sodium levels by 15 mEq/L in a 24 hour period. Instead, sodium levels should be restored over a 48 to 72 hour time period; especially if chronic in nature
Sources:
Ford, Richard B., and Elisa M. Mazzaferro. Kirk and Bistner's Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment. 8th ed., Saunders Elsevier, 2006.
Poli, Gerardo. MiniVet Guide: Companion Animal Medicine. InHouse Publishing, 2016.
Ford, Richard B., and Elisa M. Mazzaferro. Kirk and Bistner's Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment. 8th ed., Saunders Elsevier, 2006.
Poli, Gerardo. MiniVet Guide: Companion Animal Medicine. InHouse Publishing, 2016.