Incidence of hypoalbuminaemia in cats higher than previously thought, new study shows

16 October 2024

The incidence of hypoalbuminaemia in cats found in a new study contradicts the long-standing belief that feline hypoalbuminaemia is uncommon, with occurrence higher than previously reported rates in dogs.

A new study, conducted by researchers at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and published in the Journal of the Small Animal Practice, explored the incidence of feline hypoalbuminaemia, and its presenting disease categories and pathoaetiologies in 1,632 cats.

Hypoalbuminaemia develops as a result of numerous disease processes, and associated complications include impaired wound healing and increased patient morbidity and mortality. Whilst numerous studies on canine hypoalbuminaemia have been conducted, research investigating hypoalbuminaemia in cats is lacking, and its role as an acute phase protein and its prognostic value in feline diseases is unclear.

The incidence of hypoalbuminaemia in the study population was 32.7%, which challenges the view that feline hypoalbuminaemia is uncommon. Gastrointestinal diseases, specifically gastrointestinal neoplasia, were most frequently associated with hypoalbuminaemia. Whilst limitations of a retrospective study have to be taken into consideration, the data suggests that protein-losing enteropathy may be more common in cats than previously thought. This study also supports albumin as a feline negative acute phase protein. In addition, the severity of hypoalbuminaemia was found to be a prognostic indicator, suggesting that like dogs, albumin could be incorporated into feline prognostic scoring systems.

Dr 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.”

You can access the full study here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jsap.13764.