What is AST in a blood test in cats increased? - briefly
An elevated AST level in a cat's blood test can indicate liver damage or disease. It may also suggest muscle injury or inflammation.
What is AST in a blood test in cats increased? - in detail
AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in metabolism, particularly in the breakdown of proteins and amino acids within cells. In a blood test for cats, elevated levels of AST can indicate several underlying issues, primarily related to liver or muscle damage.
When AST levels are increased in a cat's blood test, it typically signals that there is some form of tissue injury or disease present. The liver is the primary organ where AST is produced and stored, so elevated levels often point to hepatic problems such as liver disease, inflammation (hepatitis), or toxicity from medications or poisons. Common causes include viral infections like feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) or feline leukemia virus (FeLV), bacterial infections, and cancer.
However, AST is not exclusively found in the liver; it is also present in other tissues such as muscles, heart, kidneys, and brain. Therefore, elevated AST levels can also be indicative of damage to these organs. Muscle injury or disease (myopathy) can release AST into the bloodstream, leading to higher than normal readings. Conditions like trauma, muscle inflammation, or even certain medications that affect muscles can contribute to this increase.
It is essential to note that a single elevated AST result does not provide a definitive diagnosis. Veterinarians usually consider the AST level in conjunction with other blood test results and clinical symptoms to determine the underlying cause. Additional tests, such as liver function tests (e.g., ALT), complete blood count (CBC), and urinalysis, may be necessary to gain a comprehensive understanding of the cat's health status.
In some cases, mildly elevated AST levels might not indicate a serious condition and could be due to stress or recent physical activity. Nevertheless, any significant increase should prompt further investigation to ensure timely and appropriate treatment for the cat. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve the prognosis for many conditions associated with elevated AST levels in cats.