What does it mean if SOE (serum protein electrophoresis) levels are elevated in a cat's blood test? - briefly
If serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) levels are elevated in a cat's blood test, it may indicate an underlying health issue such as infection, inflammation, or certain types of cancer. This abnormality suggests that the cat's immune system is actively responding to some stimulus, and further diagnostic tests are necessary to determine the cause.
What does it mean if SOE (serum protein electrophoresis) levels are elevated in a cat's blood test? - in detail
Elevated serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) levels in a cat's blood test can indicate several underlying health issues, primarily related to the immune system or liver function. SPEP is a diagnostic test that separates and measures the different types of proteins present in the blood, providing valuable insights into the cat's overall health status.
In cats, the most common proteins measured through SPEP are albumin, alpha-1 globulins, alpha-2 globulins, beta globulins, and gamma globulins. An elevation in any of these protein fractions can signal specific conditions:
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Albumin: Albumin is the primary protein produced by the liver. Elevated albumin levels are rare in cats but could indicate dehydration or hemoconcentration, where the blood volume decreases due to fluid loss. This condition might be associated with diseases like kidney failure or severe vomiting and diarrhea.
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Alpha-1 Globulins: These proteins include alpha-1 antitrypsin and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein, which are involved in the immune response. An increase in alpha-1 globulins can be seen in inflammatory conditions, such as infections or autoimmune diseases.
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Alpha-2 Globulins: Alpha-2 globulins include haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin, which are also involved in the immune response and transport of iron. Elevated alpha-2 globulins may indicate chronic inflammation or liver disease.
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Beta Globulins: Beta globulins consist mainly of transferrin, which transports iron in the blood. Increased beta globulin levels can be seen in conditions like iron deficiency anemia, where the body tries to increase the transport of available iron.
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Gamma Globulins: Gamma globulins are immunoglobulins, or antibodies, produced by the immune system in response to infections or other antigens. Elevated gamma globulin levels typically indicate an active immune response, often associated with infectious diseases like feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
If a cat's SPEP test shows elevated protein levels, veterinarians will consider the cat's medical history, clinical signs, and other diagnostic results to determine the cause. Further testing may include complete blood counts, biochemical profiles, urinalysis, and specific tests for infectious diseases or autoimmune conditions. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve the cat's prognosis and overall health outcomes.