---
title: "Liver, Kidneys, and Gut – Oh My! – What We Learn from the Chemistry Panel"
description: "Understand what blood chemistry panels reveal about your cat's internal organ function, including kidneys, liver, electrolytes, and blood sugar."
date: "2018-12-16T12:44:50Z"
author: "Just Cats Clinic"
image: "/img/7069e1c4"
canonical: "/liver-kidneys-and-gut-oh-my-what-we-learn-from-the-chemistry-panel/"
---

# Liver, Kidneys, and Gut – Oh My! – What We Learn from the Chemistry Panel


Last month we discussed what the complete blood count (CBC) reveals about your cat's overall health. This month we'll
discuss the second component of standard lab work called the chemistry panel. The chemistry panel primarily screens
organ function and can let us know early signs of disease processes, allowing intervention and prevention. Running
preventive lab work on your cat is as essential as annual examinations! By catching disease processes early, we can help
your cat not only live longer, but extend the quality of those years as well.

![Catie and Autumn at Just Cats Clinic](/img/73eb7692)

## Chemistry Components

**Albumin** is a small protein produced by the liver that acts as a sponge to hold water in the blood vessels. Albumin
is decreased if the liver is damaged and thus cannot produce enough albumin. Low albumin can also indicate intestinal
damage or kidney disease.

**Total protein** includes albumin and larger proteins called globulins. Total protein can be increased if a cat is
dehydrated or if their immune system is being stimulated to produce large amounts of antibodies.

**Alkaline phosphatase** is an enzyme found in many tissues within the body, but it is most concentrated in the cells
that make up liver and bone. In the liver, alkaline phosphatase is found on the edges of cells that compose the bile
ducts which drain bile from the liver to the bowels. An increased alkaline phosphatase level can indicate liver disease
or gallbladder disease.

**ALT** is an enzyme produced by liver cells that can indicate the overall health of the liver, but it can also be
linked to other disease processes in the body including pancreatitis, intestinal disease, and even thyroid disease.

**Amylase**, an enzyme produced by the pancreas and intestinal tract, helps the body break down sugars. Increased levels
can indicate pancreatitis or potentially pancreatic cancer. However, cats can have normal amylase levels but still have
pancreatitis, making it a less reliable indicator.

**BUN**, or blood urea nitrogen, is affected by the liver, kidneys, and dehydration. It is a waste product produced by
the liver from proteins in food and is eliminated from the body by the kidneys. Low BUN can indicate liver disease,
while increased BUN is commonly associated with kidney disease.

**Calcium** in the bloodstream comes directly from the bones. Parathyroid glands secrete hormones that help the body
regulate calcium and release it from the bones, gut, and kidneys for deposit into the bloodstream. Increased calcium
indicates a problem related to the bones, gut, or kidneys, but is most commonly associated with cancer.

**Creatinine**, one you'll commonly hear us talk about, is a waste product that originates from muscles and is
eliminated by the kidneys. Increased creatinine is most commonly associated with kidney disease; however, it can also be
affected by dehydration.

**SDMA**, a new kidney biomarker, is now part of all of our lab work at Just Cats because it can indicate decreased
kidney function at 25% loss as opposed to 75% for BUN. This allows us to find kidney disease sooner, and it is more
reliable because it is impacted by fewer external factors like body condition or age.

**Glucose** (blood sugar) elevation is most commonly associated with diabetes. However, glucose can also temporarily
increase in the blood with stress and excitement during a blood draw. Low blood sugar occurs less commonly and can
indicate a serious condition.

![Veterinary technician preparing a cat for a diagnostic procedure](/img/8b7ed5c3)

**Phosphorus** is another value we look at for cats with kidney disease. Increased phosphorus is common in cats with
chronic kidney disease. Occasionally we'll recommend a phosphate binder to help restrict the absorption of phosphorus
from your cat's diet.

**Potassium** increases in cats with acute kidney failure and can be low in patients that are not eating. Low potassium
can cause cats to feel weak and develop painful muscles. Potassium can be supplemented during ongoing treatment of the
underlying cause.

**T4** is a thyroid hormone that is used as the primary indicator for thyroid disease. An increased T4 indicates
hyperthyroidism, which you'll often hear Dr. Elizabeth say is her "favorite old cat disease" because it is curable! It
is essential to catch the disease early to prevent damage to other organs.

At your next preventive care visit, no matter your cat's age, talk to your vet about whether preventive labs are the
right decision for your cat.