You may have heard your vet mentioning this term before, but you may not have fully understood what you are paying for.
So what does a Chem 10 blood test mean?
The Chem 10 blood test for cats is a comprehensive biochemical panel that measures various substances in your cat's blood to assess its overall health, particularly the functioning of internal organs like the liver, kidneys & pancreas.
This panel includes 10 specific tests that provide valuable information about different aspects of your cat's metabolic state.
Here's a breakdown of what is typically included in a Chem 10 panel:
1. Kidney Values:
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN):
BUN levels indicate kidney function. Elevated levels may indicate kidney disease, dehydration, urinary obstruction, etc. It can also indicate a high protein diet.
Creatinine (CRE/ CREA) :
CREA is another indicator of kidney function. High levels can indicate kidney disease, but it is unaffected by a high protein diet. It usually doesn’t appear until almost 75% of kidney function loss.
Phosphorus (PHOS):
Phosphorus levels are important for bone health & energy metabolism. Abnormal levels may indicate kidney disease or other conditions. An increase in growing puppies and kittens can be normal. A low PHOS diet is recommended for cats with kidney disease.
Calcium (CA):
Calcium levels are important for nerve function, muscle function & bone health. Abnormal levels may indicate a variety of conditions, such as kidney disease, cancer or toxicity.
2. Liver Values:
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT):
ALT is an enzyme found in the liver. Elevated levels may indicate liver damage or disease.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP/ALKP):
ALP/ALKP is another enzyme found in the liver. Elevated levels may indicate liver disease or bone disorders such as cholestasis or Cushing’s disease.
Albumin (ALB):
Albumin is a protein made by the liver. Low levels can indicate liver disease, kidney disease or protein malnutrition.
3. Others:
Glucose (GLU):
Glucose levels are monitored to evaluate blood sugar levels. High levels may indicate diabetes, while low levels may indicate hypoglycemia.
High Glucose in a clinic could be due to transient stress (in cats).
A Fructosamine test should be done to confirm if the cat has Diabetes, if the results are unusually high or there are accompanying symptoms such as constant hunger, drinking more water or weight loss. A Fructosamine measures the average blood glucose reading for the last two weeks. Stress does not affect this test.
Total Protein (TP):
Total protein levels can indicate hydration status and provide information about liver and kidney function. Abnormal levels may indicate liver or kidney disease.
Globulin (GLOB):
Globulin levels are measured along with albumin to calculate the total protein level. Elevated globulin levels may indicate inflammation, gastrointestinal loss or immune system disorders.
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