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Feline hypoalbuminaemia more common than thought, study finds
Feline hypoalbuminaemia could be used as a prognostic indicator.
Study suggests rates are higher than those in dogs.

A new study has challenged the belief that hypoalbuminaemia in cats is uncommon.

Researchers from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies discovered that rates of hypoalbuminaemia were higher in cats than they were in dogs.

The study sought to explore the incidence of feline hypoalbuminaemia and its presenting disease categories and pathoaetiologies. The data was compared to previously recorded rates in dogs.

It also hoped to explore the relationship between hypoalbuminaemia and the clinical outcome of diagnoses.

Hypoalbuminaemia can be caused by several different disease processes. Animals which have hypoalbuminaemia may experience impaired wound healing and increased morbidity, as well as higher rates of mortality.
 
There have been numerous studies into hypoalbuminaemia in dogs. It is associated with a variety of diseases and has proven to be a reliable prognostic indicator.

However, hypoalbuminaemia has been poorly researched in cats. The veterinary school says that there is little understanding into the condition’s role as an acute phase protein or its prognostic value.

From their study of 1,632 cats, researchers found that 32.7 per cent of the population had hypoalbuminaemia.

It was also discovered that gastrointestinal diseases, such as gastrointestinal neoplasia, could be closely linked to the condition.

Although researchers say a retrospective study has limitations, the data may indicate that protein-losing enteropathy is more common in cats than thought. It also suggests that albumin is a feline negative acute phase protein.

Furthermore, there is potential for the severity of hypoalbuminaemia to be used as a prognostic indicator, with albumin incorporated in the feline prognostic scoring systems.

Karen Fong, lead author of the study, said: “We hope this study urges dialogue surrounding the topic of feline hypoalbuminaemia and sparks future research.

“We also encourage our colleagues in practice to consider the clinical significance of low albumin in cats, especially when gastrointestinal signs are present.”

The full study can be found in the Journal of the Small Animal Practice.

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.