Albumin
Chemistry ·Also called: ALB, serum albumin
What it is
Albumin is a small, abundant protein produced continuously by healthy liver cells. Its size means healthy kidneys do not let it escape into urine, and a healthy gut lining does not let it leak into the intestine — so its presence in either place signals a leak.
Why your vet measures it
Albumin generates the pressure that keeps fluid in the bloodstream. When it drops far enough, fluid seeps into the abdomen, the chest, or under the skin, producing a swollen belly, laboured breathing, or puffy limbs. It is also a genuine measure of liver function, unlike the liver enzymes.
What a high result can mean
- Dehydration — effectively the only cause, since the body does not overproduce albumin
What a low result can mean
- Protein-losing intestinal disease, where albumin leaks into the gut
- Protein-losing kidney disease, where it escapes into urine — check the UPC
- Liver failure, where too little is made
- Blood loss, or leakage from severe burns and large wounds
- Severe chronic inflammation, which suppresses production
Questions worth asking your vet
- Have we checked the urine protein-to-creatinine ratio to rule out kidney loss?
- Should we investigate the gut as a source of protein loss?
- Is the globulin low as well, or only the albumin? What does that tell us?
Related terms
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