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[Ionized calcium and total calcium in the cat]
Berliner Und Munchener Tierarztliche Wochenschrift
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Total calcium (Catot) levels in cats only partially reflect biologically active ionized calcium (Caion) due to albumin influence. Age significantly impacts both calcium measurements, necessitating consideration for accurate interpretation.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Calcium Metabolism
Context:
- Assessing calcium homeostasis in feline health is crucial for diagnosing various conditions.
- Plasma calcium exists in total (Catot) and ionized (Caion) forms, with Caion being biologically active.
- Albumin levels significantly influence total calcium measurements, complicating direct interpretation.
Purpose:
- To investigate the correlation between total calcium (Catot) and ionized calcium (Caion) in feline plasma.
- To determine the influence of albumin concentration on Catot measurements.
- To establish reference ranges for Caion and Catot in healthy cats and analyze age-related variations.
Summary:
- A moderate correlation (r=0.718) was found between Catot and Caion in 92 healthy cats and 154 patients, indicating Catot is a limited indicator of calcium homeostasis.
- Albumin concentration showed a significant dependence on Catot (r=0.628), explaining part of the limited correlation.
- Reference ranges for Caion (1.15-1.37 mmol/l) and Catot (2.49-2.87 mmol/l) were established. Both Caion and Catot decreased with age (p<0.001), with no dependence on sex.
Impact:
- Highlights the limitations of using total calcium alone for assessing calcium status in cats.
- Provides age-specific reference ranges for ionized and total calcium, improving diagnostic accuracy.
- Emphasizes the need to consider albumin levels and age when interpreting feline calcium measurements.