Chemistry

Bicarbonate is the major extracellular buffer in the body. It is present in all body fluids and can be generated from CO2 and H2O in the presence of carbonic anhydrase. Bicarbonate on the chemistry panel gives an indication of acid-base status, but does not replace blood gas measurement as it does not supply information about […]

Physiology Chloride is the major extracellular anion, found together with sodium. Chloride is important for osmolality and acid-base balance. Because chloride is found in a 1:1 ratio with sodium (although is slightly lower than sodium in plasma), changes in chloride should always be interpreted with sodium. Changes in free water and the gain or loss

Physiology Potassium is the major intracellular cation (intracellular K+ concentration is approximately 140 mEq/L) and is important for maintaining resting membrane potential of cells, particularly muscle and nerves. 60-75% of total body potassium is found within muscle cells, with the remainder in bone. Only 5% of potassium is located in extracellular fluid (ECF), therefore potassium concentration

Physiology Sodium (Na+) is the major extracellular cation and is a primary determinant of plasma osmolality and extracellular fluid (ECF) volume. Sodium concentration is inextricably linked with ECF volume, therefore interpretation of sodium levels should always include consideration of the hydration status of the patient (and, therefore, changes in “free” water). The body attempts to

Transition cow energy metabolite assessment is frequently used by dairy practitioners to monitor dairy herds in order to prevent disease and optimize herd health and productivity. Since the most stressful time (metabolically speaking) for a cow is the transition period (late pregnancy to early lactation), most of the monitoring is done in cows during this

Synonyms β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), 3-hydroxybutyrate, 3-hydroxbutyric acid Physiology β-hydroxybutyrate along with acetone and acetoacetate, is considered a ketone. Ketones are produced from the metabolism of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and volatile fatty acids. In monogastric animals (dogs, cats), the main source of ketones is NEFAs, which are released from fat stores in the body during states of

Synonyms Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), free fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids Physiology Non-esterified (“free” or unsaturated) fatty acids (NEFAs) are the major component of triglycerides (the fat stores in the body), which consist of three fatty acids linked to a glycerol backbone. In healthy animals (when they are eating or not in energy-deficient states), normal

Cholesterol is the most common steroid in the body. It is an important precursor of cholesterol esters, bile acids and steroid hormones. It is derived from dietary sources and synthesized in vivo from acetyl-CoA in the liver (main site) and other tissues (intestines, adrenal glands and reproductive organs). Measurement of cholesterol can give an indication

Triglycerides (TG) are lipid compounds consisting of a glycerol (a 3-carbon molecule containing three hydroxyl groups) backbone esterified to three long chain fatty acids. Triglycerides are a vital energy source for cells. Circulation of triglycerides through the vasculature is achieved by the incorporation of these compounds into lipoproteins. Lipoproteins are composed of a coat of

Synonyms Plasma protein ketoamines Physiology Glucose is able to bind a variety of structures, including proteins, in a non-enzymatic irreversible reaction, a process called glycosylation. When glucose binds in this fashion to amino groups on serum proteins, especially albumin, the glycosylated protein product is called fructosamine. The half-life of fructosamine molecules is directly dependent on