Term |
Definition |
Chemistry Profile
|
panel of tests that analyzes organ (kidney, liver etc.) functions
|
NA
|
Sodium. Plays a role in water regulation. Main source is from the diet, and level can indicate intake or possibly loss (diarrhea)
|
K
|
Potassium. Elevated levels can be deadly! Increases can be due to renal disease, Addisons, HYPP in Quarter Horses. Low levels can be due to decreased intake or loss (diarrhea), excessive sweating.
|
tC02
|
Total bicarbonate level. Increased levels indicate metabolic alkalosis. Decreased levels indicate metabolic acidosis. Important in racing industry as increased levels = positive test, fines, suspensions etc.
|
CK
|
Creatine kinase. Muscle enzyme, elevated with muscle damage. Peaks 4-6 hrs. after injury. Peaks before AST.
|
GLU
|
Glucose. Can be elevated with a recent meal, decreased with liver dysfunction, or prolonged time between blood collection and analysis.
|
CA
|
Calcium. Low levels may be associated with low protein levels.
|
BUN
|
Blood urea nitrogen. Increases with kidney disease. Decreases with liver failure, low protein diet & anabolic steroid use.
|
CRE
|
Creatinine. Increases with kidney disease.
|
AST
|
Liver and muscle enzyme, will be elevated with liver or muscle damage. Peaks about 24 hours after injury has occurred
|
TBIL
|
Total bilirubin level. Measures liver function. May be elevated by liver disease & anorexia (not eating).
|
GGT
|
Liver enzyme, elevated with bile stasis, large colon obstruction.
|
ALB
|
Albumin, a type of blood protein; can be decreased in chronic liver disease, inflammation, kidney disease, intestinal malabsorption & malnutrition. Increased levels indicate severe dehydration.
|
GLOB
|
Globulins, a type of blood protein; often increased with inflammation, immune-mediated disease & some neoplasms. Decreased levels occur with passive transfer failure in foals, severe protein loss.
|
A/G Ratio
|
Compares the ratio of the amount of albumin to globulins
|
TP
|
Total protein, measures protein in the blood; can indicate dehydration if elevated. Decreases with kidney & GI disease, liver failure & starvation
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