Total protein

Total protein in normal reptiles generally varies between 30 and 80g/l.Hypoproteinaemia is often associated with malnutrition. Other causes include malabsorption, maldigestion (e.g. intestinal parasitism), protein losing enteropathies, severe blood loss and chronic hepatic or renal disease.

Total Protein, Albumin and Globulins

Serum proteins vary widely in their size, structure and function. Abnormal levels of proteins are termed dysproteinaemias. Total protein and albumin concentrations are determined and the globulin concentration arrived at by subtraction. Total protein levels are affected by physiological as well as pathological factors. Total protein levels are low in neonates rising to adult levels by 6 months to 1 year of age. Serum total protein levels are approximately 5% less than those of plasma due to the loss of fibrinogen in the clotting process.