Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
the heart muscle. Potassium is also needed for heart muscle relaxation
and general muscle contraction. Sodium and chloride are essential
for fluid balance within the body. Phosphorus is needed for energy
reactions and regulating the metabolism of bone. Phosphorus levels
are elevated in cats with chronic kidney disease. Magnesium is a min-
eral that can be elevated in neuromuscular or heart disease, but rarely
shows up as an imbalance in a cat's blood. Disease states such as dehy-
dration, vomiting and diarrhea can all affect the body's electrolyte
balance.
CPK (creatine phosphokinase) is an enzyme that is released during
muscle exertion and trauma. It can elevate in anorexic cats when they
break down muscle proteins for energy.
Thyroid Tests
T4 is the active thyroid hormone routinely measured in cats to test for
hyperthyroidism. Low thyroid levels are only rarely found in cats, but
high levels are common in cats nine years and older. T4 levels can be
suppressed when other diseases are present, and hyperthyroidism is then
masked. Currently, a test called T4 by equilibrium dialysis is used to
confirm a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism when regular T4 results are
inconclusive but clinical signs suggest the thyroid is the problem.
Fats
Cholesterol and triglyceride levels are often reported on blood panels.
They relate to fat metabolism, but high cholesterol is not a danger and
does not cause arteriosclerosis in cats.These values are often elevated in
cats with liver disease or diabetes mellitus.
Pancreatic Enzymes
Amylase and lipase are two enzymes produced by the pancreas. In dogs
they are fairly reliable indicators of pancreatitis, but this is not true in
cats. Currently it is believed that these values do not relate to any dis-
ease or problems in cats.
Viral Tests
There are reliable diagnostic tests for the feline leukemia (FeLV) and
feline immunodeficiency viruses (FIV).There is also a test for feline coro-
na virus (FCV) that is used to support a diagnosis of feline infectious
