Miscellaneous Chemistry- Mid

Where is cholesterol produced? Does it cause lipemia?

• produced by liver

• NOT liver-specific test

• b/c its clear fat → does NOT cause lipemia

What is hyperlipidemia?

High blood levels of lipids, like cholesterol or triglycerides

In dogs it can cause illness like: pancreatitis, seizures, chronic GI signs

How does triglycerides affect lipemia? Is it measured on a standard chemistry?

It is the main cause of lipemia in which triglycerides are about 85% of body fat

• It is NOT measured on a standard chemistry

What is CK? What causes an increased CK?

Creatine Kinase, found in CNS or myocytes

• CK makes ATP available to muscle cells

Increase CK is caused by

• muscle injury or damage

• hemolysis artifact

• exercise

If a patient has an elevated AST, why do we look at CK?

B/c if AST + CK ↑ = muscle problem

• AST ↑ only = liver problem

What is ammonia? Why do we test for ammonia?

It measures ammonia levels in blood to evaluate liver function

• not commonly performed

• because it is unstable it should be separated quickly

What 2 tests are useful for assessing iron status?

Serum ferritin: blood protein storing iron

Total Iron-Binding Capacity TIBIC: measures amount available transferrin

What is the most common cause for low iron?

chronic external hemorrhage, common thru GI

What is the most common reason vitamin D is assessed?

Common reason for toxicity like supplements or rodenticides

What 2 lab tests that evaluate medications used for seizure control?

• Bromide: anticonvulsant drug, monitoring is done immediately, 1 mo. later, 2-3 mon. and annual monitor to ensure dose is appropriate

• Phenobarbital: common requiring monitoring. always measure at peak level (4-6 hr post pill), and trough level (prior pill) Ensure dose is therapeutic not toxic, timing of blood collection is IMPORTANT

What can interfere with phenobarbital and even bromide?

clot activator gel

What do phenobarbital changes mean

An elevated of > 30 ug/mL toxic → liver damage

Decreased = < 15 ug/ml → uncontrolled seizures

What is cystatin B? What disease does it indicate?

It is a small intracellular protein released into urine when kidneys are damaged

• measured in urine

What is FGF0-23? What disease is it useful in?

It detects early for CKD and phosphorous overload

• measures fibroblast growth factor

What is a precision PSL? What disease is it useful in?

Its used to diagnose pancreatitis in pt w/ consistent clinical signs

• not specific as it can increase w/ other diseases

What tests are useful to diagnose cancer?

• IDEXX Cancer Dx : detects lymphoma biomarkers

• Nu.Q test: in-house screening, measure canine plasma nucleosome concen. Antech

• Nu.Q Vet cancer test: IDEXX, detects 7 common canine cancers about 50% rate, and circulating nucleosomes

What are the limitations of blood sampling in exotic animals?

small animals= small blood sample

• have different physiology and metabolism → not all assays can be run

Why is EDTA not used for hematology in avians and reptiles?

because it can hemolyzes cells

What is the type of blood used for hematology and chemistry in avians and reps?

heparinized blood is used

What special tubes are used for sample collection in exotics?

1. mini green-top: for chemistry or hematology

2. mini light green-top: lithium heparin + gel

3. mini SST gold-top: serum for chemistry, gel can interfere w some monitoring

What are some chemistries in exotics?

• Lytes- Na, K, Cl

• Renal - uric acid

• liver - AST

• Protein - TP only b/c albumin is inaccurate

What lab test is used in birds to prevent surgery? How does the test work?

Avian DNA Sexing

• needed for birds w/o sexual dimorphism

• avian gonads are internal need endoscopic to visualize