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→Causes of Hypoalbuminaemia
***'''Dermal protein loss''' after severe thermal or chemical burns.
***'''Dermal protein loss''' after severe thermal or chemical burns.
***'''Septic peritonitis''' involving copious amounts of exudative peritoneal fluid.
***'''Septic peritonitis''' involving copious amounts of exudative peritoneal fluid.
**[[Protein Losing Enteropathy|'''Protein-losing enteropathy''']] (PLE) caused by [[Inflammatory Bowel Disease|inflammatory bowel disease]], [[Lymphangiectasia|lymphangiectasia]] or [[Alimentary Lymphoma|alimentary lymphoma]]. Globulins and, in severe cases, whole blood are lost with albumin in this condition.
**[[Protein Losing Enteropathy|'''Protein-losing enteropathy''']] (PLE) caused by [[Inflammatory Bowel Disease|inflammatory bowel disease]], [[Lymphangiectasia|lymphangiectasia]] or [[Lymphoma|alimentary lymphoma]]. Globulins and, in severe cases, whole blood are lost with albumin in this condition.
**'''Protein-losing nephropathy''' (PLN) caused by primary glomerulopathy, glomerulonephritis or amyloidosis. Albumin, having a smaller molecular weight, is lost in great excess of globulin. Severe PLN results in Nephrotic Syndrome characterised by severe hypoproteinaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, ascites, hydrothorax and subcutaneous oedema.
**'''Protein-losing nephropathy''' (PLN) caused by primary glomerulopathy, glomerulonephritis or amyloidosis. Albumin, having a smaller molecular weight, is lost in great excess of globulin. Severe PLN results in Nephrotic Syndrome characterised by severe hypoproteinaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, ascites, hydrothorax and subcutaneous oedema.
**'''Acute haemorrhage''' followed by autotransfusion (movement of fluid into the circulation from the interstitium) will result in dilution of the remaining plasma proteins.
**'''Acute haemorrhage''' followed by autotransfusion (movement of fluid into the circulation from the interstitium) will result in dilution of the remaining plasma proteins.
*Apparent hypoalbuminaemia may occur in '''overhydrated or hypervolaemic animals''' suffering from primary (pyschogenic) polydipsia or which have received intra-venous fluid therapy.
*Apparent hypoalbuminaemia may occur in '''overhydrated or hypervolaemic animals''' suffering from primary (pyschogenic) polydipsia or which have received intra-venous fluid therapy.
==Consequences of Hypoalbuminaemia==
==Consequences of Hypoalbuminaemia==
Albumin is the major plasma protein contributing to the maintenance of plasma oncotic pressure (also known as colloid osmotic pressure). This force opposes hydrostatic pressure and prevents the loss of intravascular fluid into body cavities and the interstitial space. Hypoalbuminaemia may therefore lead to the following conditions when the concentration of albumin falls below 10-15 g/l:
Albumin is the major plasma protein contributing to the maintenance of plasma oncotic pressure (also known as colloid osmotic pressure). This force opposes hydrostatic pressure and prevents the loss of intravascular fluid into body cavities and the interstitial space. Hypoalbuminaemia may therefore lead to the following conditions when the concentration of albumin falls below 10-15 g/l: