Effect of age on reference intervals of serum biochemical values in kittens.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of age on reference intervals of serum biochemical values in kittens.


METHODS
Prospective clinical trial.


METHODS
55 kittens from 12 specific-pathogen-free queens.


METHODS
Kittens were allocated at birth into colostrum-fed (n = 27) and colostrum-deprived (28) groups. Blood was collected at birth and on days 1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 28, and 56. Serum samples were analyzed for activities of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, amylase, and lipase and for concentrations of albumin, total protein, bilirubin, urea nitrogen, creatinine, cholesterol, glucose, calcium, phosphorus, and triglycerides by use of an automated analyzer. Total serum solids concentrations were determined by use of refractometry. Serum IgG concentrations were quantified by use of radial immunodiffusion.


RESULTS
For several analytes, reference intervals changed rapidly, most notably during the first few days of life. Reference intervals for alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and triglycerides were higher from birth to 8 weeks than adult reference intervals. Aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, urea nitrogen, and creatinine were higher than in adults at birth but were similar to or lower than adult reference intervals by 8 weeks. Compared with adult reference intervals, reference intervals for calcium and phosphorus concentrations were higher and for albumin and total protein concentrations were lower throughout the study period.


CONCLUSIONS
Important differences exist between reference intervals for serum biochemical values of neonatal and adult cats. Age-appropriate reference intervals should be used for accurate assessment of serum biochemical test results in cats.
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
Julie K
JK
Levy
P Cynda
PC
Crawford
Linda L
LL
Werner
D000375:Aging / Q000097:blood*; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000097:blood; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000097:blood*; D000833:Animals, Suckling / Q000097:blood*; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*; D002415:Cats / Q000097:blood*; D003126:Colostrum / Q000378:metabolism*; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D013047:Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase / Q000097:blood
D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase; D003402:Creatine Kinase; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase