829
edits
Changes
no edit summary
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Total serum protein concentration can be estimated by refractometry but this technique does not differentiate albumin from the plasma globulins. This is important because, in some chronic inflammatory liver diseases, albumin may be reduced by hepatic insufficiency while total protein concentration may remain normal due to the production of globulins in the inflammatory process.
Ideally, albumin and globulin concentrations should be measured individually so that an albumin: globulin ratio can be calculated.
Urinalysis and haematological and biochemical blood profiles may identify further abnormalities relating to the underlying cause of the hypoalbuminaemia.
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
Any underlying cause should be treated.
Any underlying cause should be treated but, in animals showing clinical signs related to hypoalbuminaemia, consideration should be given to '''plasma transfusions''' or to administration of '''recombinant human albumin'''. Effusions should only be drained if they are causing serious clinical signs as this procedure will deplete protein reserves even further.
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
Prognosis is dependent on the underlying cause of the disease.
Prognosis is dependent on the underlying cause of the disease.
[[Category:To_Do_-_James]]
[[Category:To_Do_-_James]]