Open AccessBreed Dependency of Reference Intervals for Plasma Biochemical Values in Cats
Author(s) -
Reynolds B.S.,
Concordet D.,
Germain C.A.,
Daste T.,
Boudet K.G.,
Lefebvre H.P.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of veterinary internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.356
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1939-1676
pISSN - 0891-6640
DOI - 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2010.0541.x
Subject(s) - breed , cats , medicine , creatinine , albumin , zoology , alkaline phosphatase , endocrinology , biology , biochemistry , enzyme
Background: Reference intervals (RI) are pivotal in clinical pathology. The influence of breed on RI has been poorly documented in cats. Hypothesis/Objectives: RI for plasma biochemistry variables are breed‐dependent in cats. Animals: Five hundred and thirty‐six clinically healthy, fasted, client‐owned cats from 4 breeds: Holly Birman (n = 132), Chartreux (n = 129), Maine Coon (n = 139), and Persian (n = 136). Methods:Prospective observational study : Blood samples were collected from the cephalic vein into capillary tubes containing lithium heparin. Plasma glucose, urea, creatinine, total proteins, albumin, calcium, phosphate, sodium, potassium, chloride, and total CO 2 concentrations and the activities of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were assayed with a dry slide biochemical analyzer. RI were defined as central 95% intervals bounded by the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles. Data were analyzed by a linear mixed effects model with type I error rate of 0.05. Results: A significant ( P < .05) breed effect was observed for 9/13 variables. The magnitude of the differences between breeds could be clinically relevant for creatinine, glucose, and total protein. Age, body weight, sex, and housing conditions had significant ( P < .05) breed‐related effects on different variables. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Breed‐specific RI should be considered for cats.